Ukraine Pushes for Major Weapons Deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered the United States a $90 billion weapons purchase plan, hoping to secure long-term security guarantees. The proposal, presented during high-level meetings at the White House, marks one of Kyiv’s boldest moves since the war began. Zelenskyy stated that the package would focus on military tools Ukraine currently lacks, including aircraft and air defense systems.
The Financial Times reported that this deal would be funded by European partners, with a separate $50 billion drone production agreement involving Ukrainian companies. While early reports suggested a $100 billion figure, Zelenskyy later clarified the package stands at $90 billion.
Trump Shifts Stance After Putin Meeting
The timing of this proposal is important. Only days before, former President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where he hinted Ukraine should consider giving up territory to Russia. That statement raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies.
However, during his White House meetings with Zelenskyy and several European leaders, Trump appeared to soften his position. He signaled support for a deal that would provide Ukraine with American security guarantees. Trump told reporters that Putin agreed, in principle, to consider such guarantees, though Moscow later disputed some details.
The meeting also included leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump even called Putin during the talks and said he would arrange a future meeting with both Zelenskyy and Putin, with Germany suggesting such a meeting might take place within weeks.
Security Framework Expected Soon
Zelenskyy revealed that the framework for security guarantees could be finalized within the next ten days. He described the talks as “the best so far” with Trump. The plan is built around three key elements: continued funding for Ukraine’s army, the $90 billion weapons purchase, and joint development of drone technology within Ukraine.
While this structure would echo NATO’s Article 5 principle of collective defense, Ukraine would not become a NATO member under the deal. Trump named Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to help coordinate the plan with Ukraine and Russia.
A Deal That Benefits U.S. Industry
The proposal aligns with Trump’s repeated message that the U.S. should focus on selling rather than giving weapons. “We’re not giving anything. We’re selling weapons,” Trump said, pointing to the potential gains for American defense companies. Since European allies would finance the deal, U.S. taxpayers would not bear the cost.
Ukraine, however, stood firm on key conditions. It rejected Russia’s demand for territorial concessions in Donetsk and Luhansk, warning such a move would give Moscow a stronger military foothold. Zelenskyy also insisted Russia must pay for war damages, possibly through the $300 billion in Russian assets currently frozen abroad.
Personal Analysis
This proposal is more than a military purchase. It shows how Ukraine is trying to tie its survival to America’s industrial and political interests. By framing the deal as a business opportunity, Kyiv appeals directly to Trump’s economic language rather than relying on traditional appeals for aid. If accepted, the agreement could set a precedent where U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts is justified less by values and more by profit.
At the same time, this move is risky. It depends on European partners funding the deal, and it assumes Russia will not walk away from talks if it sees the U.S. supplying Ukraine with large-scale weaponry. Still, for Ukraine, the gamble might be worth it. Without stronger guarantees, Kyiv risks facing renewed pressure to give up land, something it has rejected from the start.
Sources: abcnews.go.com
