Published Date: 15.07.2025 10:24 / Politics Rachael Maddix Rachael Maddix

Trump’s Weapons Sales to NATO Allies Press Putin on Ukraine

Trump’s Weapons Sales to NATO Allies Press Putin on Ukraine

NATO’s secretary general calls Trump’s weapons sales to allies a key step, urging Putin to negotiate as tariffs loom.

Trump Approves Major Weapons Sales to NATO Allies

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has praised President Donald Trump’s decision to approve billions of dollars in weapons sales to NATO countries, including the supply of advanced Patriot air defense missile systems to support Ukraine. The move, announced during a high-profile meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., comes amid stalled peace negotiations to end Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

At the meeting, President Trump underscored his administration’s determination to force progress toward peace. He issued a stern warning: if an agreement is not reached within 50 days, the United States will impose 100% secondary tariffs on nations continuing to trade with Russia. “If we don't have an agreement in 50 days, that's what we're doing, secondary tariffs, and they're biting. And I hope we don't get to the point where we do, but I've been hearing so much talk. It's all talk. It's all talk, and then missiles go into Kyiv and kill 60 people. It's got to stop,” Trump stated from the Oval Office.

Pressure on Russia and Putin’s Stalled Peace Talks

Rutte, appearing on “Special Report,” emphasized the global significance of the arms deals. “This is significant,” he said. “If you are in Beijing, or in Delhi, or you're in Brazil and you know that this is coming to you, you might want to call Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and say, ‘Hey, friend, we are still buying stuff from you, but you have got to get serious when it comes to these negotiations on the ceasefire or a peace deal, or otherwise we get hit by the secondary sanctions.’”

Senator Lindsey Graham noted that major economies such as China, India, and Brazil have continued purchasing Russian oil and petroleum products, providing critical funding for Moscow’s military operations. Trump, however, has held off on further sanctions, hoping that diplomatic efforts might succeed. Despite multiple proposals, including a 30-day unconditional ceasefire supported by the U.S. and European allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to compromise, escalating attacks on Kyiv with missiles and drones.

Former Dutch Prime Minister Rutte said the arms deals serve as a clear warning to Moscow about the unity and resolve of the U.S. and Europe. “If I was in the Kremlin today, I would not be too happy because this is a clear signal that President Trump is serious. He wants peace. He hates the fact that so many people lose their lives in Ukraine,” Rutte remarked.

International Pressure and Uncertain Outcomes

Despite these initiatives, peace talks remain deadlocked. Trump has set several two-week deadlines for Russia to make progress in negotiations, but these have come and gone without resolution. Ukraine’s former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged the Trump administration to recalibrate its approach, advocating a better balance of “sticks and carrots” to bring both sides to the table and avoid protracted, inconclusive talks.

With new weapons flowing to Ukraine and economic pressure mounting on Russia’s global partners, the coming weeks are seen as critical. The world’s attention remains focused on whether this combination of military support and threatened tariffs will be enough to bring about a meaningful ceasefire and set the stage for lasting peace in the region.