4 European countries to buy $1 billion in U.S. weapons for Ukraine : NPR
The Ukrainians made a makeshift memorial in front of a building in the capital, kyiv, who was struck by a Russian air strike on July 31. A combined attack of missiles and drones killed more than 30 civilians and injured more than 150 in the city.
Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images
hide
tilting legend
Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images
Kyiv, Ukraine – Four European countries agreed to buy a billion dollars in American weapons and send them to Ukraine as part of a new arrangement announced by President Trump last month.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed thanks for helping social networks.
“We already have commitments from the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark – more than a billion dollars for American weapons that Ukraine will receive. Thank you! This cooperation with NATO countries will continue,” said Zelenskyy on X.
He also said he had a “productive conversation” with Trump.
“We have coordinated our positions,” wrote Zelenskyy. “The Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks. President Trump is fully informed of Russian strikes against kyiv and other cities and communities.”
This marks the latest sign of improvement in US-UKRAINE ties since Trump and Zelenskyy had a TV dispute in the White House in February. On the other hand, Trump strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has intensified his attacks on Ukraine in recent months.
Air defenses for Ukraine
The Netherlands said that it would send American missiles and other components used in American Air Defense systems Patriot already in Ukraine.
Patriotic batteries are the most effective means of Ukraine to shoot down incoming Russian missiles. Ukrainians say they need additional missiles so that the patriotic batteries defend themselves against the climbing of Russian air strikes.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans wrote on X: “This helps Ukraine defend itself and the rest of Europe against Russian aggression.” The Dutch have estimated aid at more than $ 500 million.
In addition, Sweden, Norway and Denmark say they have also agreed to support a set of American weapons, it for just under $ 500 million. There was no immediate word on which the American weapons they would send to Ukraine.
Trump came into office in January saying that he was opposed to additional American military aid for Ukraine. But at a meeting of the White House in July with NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte, Trump said that he had supported the NATO countries buying American weapons, then sending them to Ukraine.
The United States has provided around $ 75 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the large-scale invasion of Russia in 2022, much more than any other country.
Although many European countries say they will intensify their support, it is far from clear if increased European assistance will compensate for the loss of American aid.
