US President Donald Trump plans to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this week as a plan takes shape for selling weapons to Ukraine, according to reports.
Trump’s announcement follows days of escalating tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The US leader has become increasingly critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is looking to bolster support for Ukraine’s military efforts.
Under the plan, some US-made weapons that are already being used by NATO allies in Europe could be transferred to Ukraine, potentially boosting the country’s defense capabilities. European officials have been pushing Trump’s administration to provide more air defense capabilities to Ukraine.
The move has sparked mixed reactions from lawmakers and experts. While some Republican lawmakers have praised Trump’s support for Ukraine, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Russia’s economy.
Trump is also facing calls from Republicans and Democrats to pass legislation that would cripple Russia’s oil industry and impose harsh sanctions on Moscow for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The bill has overwhelming support in Congress but faces some reservations from the White House. Trump wants full authority over the waiver process, which could be a point of contention between the administration and lawmakers.
As tensions with Russia continue to rise, the US is looking to take a more assertive stance on supporting Ukraine’s military efforts. The move could have significant implications for international relations and the global economy.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-rutte-nato-putin-ukraine-524abe34764e4bb5838bbc90fc992520