UK, Germany Lead Talks on Trump’s Ukraine Arms Plan Amid Russian Escalation

The UK and Germany are spearheading a virtual meeting today to discuss US President Donald Trump’s proposal for NATO allies to finance and deliver weapons to Ukraine, following his claim last week that shipments, including Patriot air defense systems, would reach Kyiv “within days.” The Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, chaired by British Defense Secretary John Healey and German counterpart Boris Pistorius, includes US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.

The talks follow Russia’s intensified attacks, with 300 drone strikes reported on Ukraine last Saturday, signaling an escalation in Moscow’s long-range assaults. Trump’s plan, announced on July 14, involves European nations purchasing or donating US-made weapons, coordinated through NATO, to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. However, European diplomats expressed frustration, noting they were not consulted prior to the announcement, leaving details unclear.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to finance two new Patriot systems for Ukraine and explore transferring existing ones, with the US potentially replacing them. Delivery timelines remain uncertain, with Merz indicating it could take days or weeks. Switzerland’s defense ministry also revealed that the US may redirect five previously ordered Patriot systems to support Ukraine.

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Despite Trump’s urgency, NATO’s Gen. Grynkewich said on Thursday that “preparations are underway” but no transfers have occurred, and US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker couldn’t provide a timeline. A senior NATO official, speaking anonymously, confirmed ongoing coordination for other aid, like ammunition, despite a brief US pause.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed new peace talks this week, while Russia’s Kremlin reiterated openness to negotiations but prioritized its objectives, with Istanbul likely hosting any discussions. Trump’s shift, coupled with a 50-day ceasefire ultimatum to Moscow or face harsher sanctions, marks a departure from his earlier reluctance to arm Ukraine directly.

Also Read: Russia Unleashes 300+ Drones on Ukraine, Killing One in Odesa