NATO's Rutte to meet Trump as US readies major Russia statement

As reported, Rutte will be in Washington on Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and 15. There, he will meet with Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The NATO press release does not specify the purpose of the visit. However, recently, Trump told NBC News that the US is ready to supply weapons to Ukraine through NATO. He also said he will make a "major statement" about Russia on Monday.

"I'm disappointed in Russia, but we'll see what happens over the next couple of weeks. I think I'll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday," the US President said without providing further details.

Reuters added that until now, the Trump administration has only provided Ukraine with weapons approved by former US President Joe Biden.

Trump may prepare new aid for Ukraine

Yesterday, CBS News reported that Trump is considering new funding for Ukraine. This would be the first such move since he took office in January.

Sources say the new funding could be aimed at responding to signals from Russia, which has recently attacked Ukraine with drones and missiles.

US officials also said Trump has $3.85 billion remaining from the previous administration for military aid to Ukraine.

In addition, the White House chief may seize about $5 billion from frozen Russian assets.

The US is ready to sell weapons to NATO

Besides the above, Trump told NBC News recently that a new deal was agreed upon at the NATO summit.

Under the agreement, the US will sell weapons to NATO allies. The allies will then have the right to decide independently to whom and what to transfer. This specifically includes supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Later, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified Trump's statement. He said the US President is urging NATO allies to provide Ukraine with necessary weapons from their own stockpiles. Then, they should purchase replacements from the United States.