US envoy: NATO arms deal eases American taxpayer burden in Ukraine

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that a new arms transfer mechanism through NATO is helping ease the financial burden on American taxpayers while continuing to support Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Whitaker explained that under the initiative, NATO allies purchase American-made weapons and ammunition, which are then sent to Ukraine, removing direct US funding from the equation, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"In the Oval Office last month, I was there, and President Trump announced this mechanism where our NATO allies would buy American armaments and ammunition and then those allies would provide that to Ukraine," Whitaker said. "Obviously, this takes the American taxpayer out of the equation. No longer are American taxpayers bearing the burden of the war in Ukraine."

Whitaker emphasized that European allies understand the importance of the conflict and are increasingly willing to take on a larger share of the responsibility.

"Listen, here in Europe, our allies tell us that this war is very important for them. President Trump said, 'If it's important to you, we will make sure that Ukraine can defend themselves and so, if you're willing to buy it, we're willing to sell armaments and ammunition to be provided to Ukraine and their defence.' And that's what's happening."

He added that time is critical in maintaining Ukraine’s position on the front lines, while also pressuring Russia toward negotiations.

"We've been moving with speed and pace on this to make sure that there is no disadvantage on the front line for the Ukrainians, but, at the same time, [Russian President] Vladimir Putin continues to just throw bodies at this and at some point in time the slaughter has to end," he said.

President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Moscow midweek, ahead of an August 8 deadline for the Kremlin to halt its war or face new economic sanctions.

Responding to concerns over NATO’s strength, Whitaker assured that the alliance remains robust.

"In this case, we are selling American-made, created by Americans through their American jobs. We are selling that equipment to our NATO allies, and then they're providing that to Ukraine… the alliance is going to be strong."

By Vafa Guliyeva