According to sources familiar with the matter, the Trump administration is planning to urge European allies to purchase more American weapons for Ukraine in preparation for potential peace talks with Moscow. This move is seen as a way to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position amidst ongoing conflict in the region.
The plan aims to offer reassurance to Ukrainian leaders who have expressed concerns about the possibility of President Donald Trump withholding further aid to the country. European countries had previously bought American weapons for Ukraine during the Biden administration.
U.S. officials, led by Trump’s Ukrainian envoy, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, are set to discuss this proposal with European allies at the Munich Security Conference. This initiative is part of a series of ideas being considered by the administration to continue providing weapons to Ukraine without significant financial investment from the U.S.
While Kellogg did not confirm the plan in a recent interview, he emphasized the benefits of selling American-made weapons to bolster the U.S. economy. The administration is exploring various options to support Kyiv, building on the aid approved by former President Joe Biden.
Amidst ongoing debates within the Trump administration on how to proceed with arming Ukraine, there is a desire to recoup the costs incurred by the U.S. in the conflict and to encourage greater European involvement in addressing the situation. National security adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for European countries to take ownership of the conflict moving forward.
The details of the potential arms purchase deal with Europe, whether through commercial contracts or direct acquisitions from the U.S., are still unclear. The administration is navigating challenges in maintaining military support for Ukraine while addressing concerns about additional funding from Congress.
As diplomatic efforts continue, both Washington and Moscow have presented differing perspectives on the prospects for peace talks, highlighting the delicate balance of interests at play in the region.
President Trump stated on Sunday that he has been in communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and believes that progress is being made in discussions aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In response to Trump’s remarks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed concerns about the state of relations with Washington, warning that they were teetering on the edge of a potential breakdown. Ryabkov emphasized that Ukraine would need to renounce its aspirations for NATO membership and withdraw from regions currently under Russian occupation.
Sources within the U.S. government indicated that it could take several months before a formal peace plan is established to halt the ongoing hostilities, as there are various other issues that need to be addressed beforehand. To pave the way for future peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, a number of U.S. officials are currently in Europe this week engaging with European leaders. National Security Advisor Kellogg is set to engage in discussions regarding increased aid to Kyiv at the Munich Security Conference.
Kellogg mentioned that while the peace planning process has been ongoing, further consultations with European counterparts are necessary to align expectations and receive input from allies. In addition to peace talks, U.S. officials are looking to secure a mineral deal with Ukraine, granting America access to the country’s abundant reserves in exchange for sustained aid. The specifics of such an agreement have not yet been disclosed, with the development of Ukraine’s resources anticipated to be a long-term endeavor, delaying immediate financial gains for the U.S. Nevertheless, the Trump administration views this deal as a pivotal element of its Ukraine policy moving forward.
