Trump Says U.S. Sending Weapons to Ukraine via NATO, Promises ‘Major Statement’ on Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on July 10 that the United States is sending weapons to Ukraine through NATO, in a new move to support Kyiv amid escalating Russian aggression and a pause in direct U.S. military aid.

Why it matters:

• Trump said NATO is covering the full cost of the weapons, offering a workaround to Pentagon supply concerns.
• The statement follows political backlash over a July 2 Pentagon decision to halt some weapon deliveries to Ukraine.
• Trump also teased a “major statement” on Russia coming July 14, without providing details.

What they’re saying:

“We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,” Trump said in an interview with NBC. “The weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine).”

Speaking from the White House on July 7, Trump said, “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now.”

During a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump reiterated that the aid would focus on defensive weapons.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed in a statement, “At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.”

Between the lines:

Trump appeared to reverse course on July 8, days after the Pentagon paused some deliveries citing declining U.S. stockpiles. His renewed stance follows strong criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Zoom out:

Trump is also reviewing bipartisan legislation by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) that would impose new sanctions and tariffs on nations supporting Russia’s war effort, and target Russia’s banking system.

“I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” Trump added in the interview, referring to July 14.

What’s next:

• The international community awaits Trump’s Russia announcement on July 14.
• More details on weapon types and quantities are expected in the coming week from the Pentagon.
• Congressional reaction may influence the implementation of the proposed sanctions bill.

(Stay tuned for more updates )