Live updates: European countries will buy U.S. weapons to send to Ukraine, Trump says

Washington, D.C. – July 14, 2025 — Former President Donald Trump announced today that several European nations have committed to purchasing U.S.-made weapons systems to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The statement follows intensified pressure on NATO allies to bolster Ukraine’s capabilities amid a protracted conflict entering its fourth year.

Trump’s Statement on European Arms Purchases

Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Trump said, “European countries have agreed to directly buy advanced American weapons and send them to Ukraine. This will ensure Ukraine receives the equipment it needs, while supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs.”

The announcement comes after months of debate within NATO regarding the sustainability of military aid to Ukraine. Trump, who has made NATO burden-sharing a central theme in his recent campaign rallies, emphasized that this arrangement allows Europe to assume a greater share of the defense burden.

Response from European Leaders

Officials from Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom confirmed ongoing negotiations with U.S. defense contractors but stopped short of disclosing specific contracts or weapons systems. German Defense Minister Karl Lauterbach said, “We are committed to ensuring Ukraine has the resources to defend its sovereignty, and transatlantic cooperation remains essential.”

• Germany and Poland are reportedly seeking Patriot missile batteries and HIMARS rocket systems.
• The UK is considering additional air defense packages and advanced drones.
• France and Italy have signaled willingness to participate through joint procurement platforms.

Impact on the U.S. Defense Industry

Shares of major U.S. defense firms, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman, rose in early trading following Trump’s comments. Analysts suggest the deals could be worth billions of dollars, further boosting the American defense sector.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, U.S. arms exports to Europe have increased by 48% since 2022, largely driven by Russia’s expanded military campaign in Ukraine.

Continued U.S. Support for Ukraine

Despite ongoing debates in Congress about future U.S. aid, the Biden administration reiterated its commitment to working with European partners to support Ukraine. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, “This collaborative approach strengthens both NATO and Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression.”

What’s Next?

Further details about the weapons sales and delivery timelines are expected to be announced following the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels. The U.S. State Department is coordinating with European governments to ensure swift approval of export licenses and end-use monitoring.

Stay with us for real-time updates on this developing story as European allies ramp up military assistance to Ukraine through direct purchases of U.S. weaponry.