US State Sec clarifies Trump’s comments on NATO funding weapons for Ukraine

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified recent remarks made by President Donald Trump, stating that NATO and America's allies would fully fund the supply of US weapons to Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Rubio said Trump was referring to existing mechanisms that allow European allies to purchase American-made weapons and transfer them to Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Rubio noted that this approach has been in place since the beginning of the conflict in 2022. According to him, some of the weapon systems requested by Ukraine are not produced in Europe and must be sourced from the United States. 

He emphasised that several NATO allies, including Germany—which reportedly possesses 13 to 14 Patriot missile defence batteries—have equipment that could be sent to Ukraine.

The Secretary of State added that the US continues to urge its partners in the alliance to provide these critical weapons and defense systems. He explained that countries could then enter into separate financial arrangements with the US to replenish their arsenals.

Rubio stressed that Trump’s statement did not signal the introduction of a new supply system but rather a reinforcement of existing channels. He underlined the logistical advantage of transferring existing stockpiles from European warehouses, noting that it is significantly faster than producing new equipment. He concluded that this immediate availability is likely what President Trump was alluding to in his earlier remarks.

By Sabina Mammadli