🚀NATO becomes middleman for US weapons sales to Ukraine
Foreign Policy
Defense
Trade & Commerce
Trump announced July 14, 2025, that European NATO members will purchase US weapons at full price to transfer to Ukraine, including $1 billion Patriot missile systems. The scheme lets Trump claim he's not directly arming Ukraine while profiting from weapons sales. Special envoy Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv as Ukrainian President Zelensky—wearing a suit for the first time since 2022—secured promises of "full complement" of weapons. Trump praised Europe's "amazing esprit de corps" after initially thinking they lacked spirit for defending Ukraine.
Review Topic
Test your knowledge with interactive questions
10 questions
5:00
10 available
Key Takeaways
Influential Figures
No influential figures found.
Some topics may not have prominent individuals directly associated.
Why This Matters
US defense contractors profit while avoiding political blame:
Each Patriot system costs $1 billion—Raytheon and Lockheed Martin get rich while Trump dodges "warmonger" label from his base.
Ukraine gets weapons slower through European bureaucracy:
Direct US shipments took weeks; NATO middleman scheme adds months of red tape while Russians advance.
Trump's "art of the deal" makes allies pay premium prices:
European taxpayers fund American defense industry profits in scheme that enriches US corporations at allies' expense.
Track which defense contractors donate to your representatives:
Check OpenSecrets.org to see how weapons lobby influences Ukraine policy through campaign contributions.
What Others Are Asking
No Questions Yet
Be the first to ask
Detailed Content
4
Which two U.S. defense contractors were specifically mentioned as standing to profit from the replacement orders?
Multiple Choice
Trade & Commerce
5
7
Which phrase did President Trump use to praise European unity during his announcement?
Multiple Choice
Foreign Policy