NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed on Monday that a group of allied countries agreed to purchase U.S. weaponry, including the Patriot anti-aircraft defense missile system, to send to Ukraine as part of a new coordinated effort to strengthen their military capabilities against the threat of a Russian invasion.
During an appearance with Donald Trump at the White House, Rutte described the operation as “really important” and detailed that it includes Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Why is NATO sending missiles to Ukraine?
“This is really big,” Rutte declared. “Trump called me on Thursday and told me that he wants to provide what is necessary for Ukraine to defend itself, but that the Europeans must pay for it. It makes perfect sense.”
Rutte stated that European countries “will take a step forward” to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary systems on the front line. He said that he is already in contact with several governments that have shown willingness to participate in this first package of assistance, which will include more deliveries in the future.
The plan includes military packages designed in coordination with NATO, which will include missiles, ammunition, and anti-aircraft defenses, with a special emphasis on Patriot systems, considered the most advanced of their kind. “We are talking about large quantities,” warned the secretary general.
“If I were Vladimir Putin today, I would reconsider taking negotiations on Ukraine more seriously,” Rutte added, referring to the Russian president.
The statement also formally confirms Trump’s previous announcement, who last Friday stated that NATO would pay for the weapons that the United States will send to Ukraine. “The weapons are going to NATO, and NATO will be responsible for transferring them to Ukraine and assuming the cost,” the president explained at the time.
Allied sources consulted by Europa Press confirmed that Germany and Norway are already in bilateral talks with Washington to acquire Patriot batteries, which would then be deployed in Ukrainian territory. These negotiations do not directly involve the institutional structure of NATO or its procurement agencies.
Change in strategy by Trump and the Pentagon
Two weeks ago, last week the Department of Defense, led by the controversial Pete Hegseth, decided to halt a previously planned shipment of weapons to Ukraine, citing concerns about the reduction of their ammunition reserves.
The unexpected pause caused confusion in the Department of State, among several legislators in Congress, among Ukrainian authorities, and among European partners.
However, last week Donald Trump changed his government’s strategy and took a more decisive stance in support of Ukraine due to the lack of progress with Russia and Vladimir Putin in achieving a ceasefire in the war that has been going on for over three years.