NATO chief to meet Trump in Washington as Ukraine arms talks loom

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to arrive in Washington on Monday, July 14, for high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid growing speculation that the United States may reverse its stance on military aid to Ukraine, Dutch broadcaster NOS reports.

According to NATO sources, Rutte will discuss with Trump a new proposal that would see NATO member states help finance U.S.-supplied weapons for Ukraine. Under the plan, European allies would not only fund the weapons but also oversee their transfer to Ukrainian forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Rutte is also expected to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and key members of Congress during his visit.

The talks come at a pivotal moment. President Trump recently signaled a potential shift in U.S. policy when he told reporters at the White House that Washington would be sending additional weapons to Ukraine.

“We are going to send some more weapons. We have to,” Trump said last Monday. “They need to be able to defend themselves.” He clarified that the aid would focus primarily on defensive systems.

His comments followed a temporary suspension of planned Pentagon shipments, citing concerns over dwindling U.S. stockpiles. When pressed on who had ordered the pause, Trump replied he did not know.

NATO correspondent Kysia Hekster noted that Ukraine and European allies have repeatedly called for the resumption of U.S. military aid—especially the delivery of advanced systems like the Patriot air defense platform, which are essential for protecting Ukraine from Russian air attacks.

“If new weapons deliveries are indeed being considered, this would represent a clear shift in U.S. policy,” Hekster observed. “The United States has weapons systems that European countries do not possess.”

She added that discussions on cost-sharing and logistics have been ongoing among NATO members, with the alliance preparing to coordinate further support to Ukraine. This move may reflect a broader effort by Washington to redefine its role in the conflict while pushing European allies to shoulder more of the burden.

Adding to the intrigue, Trump is expected to make a “major announcement” about Russia on Monday, July 14. Whether it will touch directly on arms deliveries or reveal a tougher stance toward the Kremlin remains to be seen.

“Whether Trump’s patience with President Putin has really run out, we may hear tomorrow,” Hekster noted.

By Khagan Isayev