Rutte says Ukraine may receive massive arms supply from NATO–US deal
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
As part of the US–NATO weapons supply agreement, Ukraine may receive a massive amount of military equipment, air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump.
Rutte stated that the decision made by Trump — to ensure Ukraine has everything it needs to defend itself against Russia, without placing the financial burden on European countries — was very important and entirely logical. He said Trump had called him on Thursday to inform him of this decision.
According to Rutte, this marked a major success of the NATO summit, during which Alliance members agreed to increase defense industry production, raise defense spending to 5%, and boost assistance to Ukraine.
He added that Europe has stepped up and is continuing to do so. He had been in contact with many countries, and noted that Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada all expressed their willingness to be part of this effort.
Rutte emphasized that this is only the first wave, and more is to come.
He said that NATO will work through its own systems to identify Ukraine's needs and organize aid packages accordingly — similar to what was discussed earlier that day with Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. The approach, he said, will ensure that each country maintains its own necessary defense stockpiles, while also allowing Ukraine to receive a truly large volume of military equipment, including air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and more.
Rutte also addressed Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine. He said that if he were Vladimir Putin and heard what Trump was planning to do within that timeframe, he would reconsider and take negotiations over Ukraine more seriously.
Trump gives Putin 50 days to reach peace deal
US President Donald Trump said he was disappointed with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the lack of progress in peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine.
He noted that he had expected a peace agreement with Putin two months ago, but it did not happen.
As a result, Trump pledged to impose strict economic measures against Russia. He stated that secondary tariffs would be introduced if a deal is not reached within 50 days, adding that the rate would be set at 100 and that this would be implemented as stated.
He also expressed hope that such measures could be avoided, but emphasized that the United States is ready to act firmly.
