Trump Arms Ukraine with Patriot Systems, Europe to Fund Supplies

President Donald Trump has unveiled a new strategy to support Ukraine by supplying Patriot missile systems and other advanced weapons, while insisting that European allies finance these arms. This approach aims to alleviate American taxpayer burden and compel European countries to take greater financial responsibility for Ukraine's defense. European leaders, particularly in Germany, have played a key role in facilitating this arrangement, which involves NATO coordinating deliveries and European countries purchasing and providing the weapons. While the proposal has garnered praise from some quarters for its pragmatism, logistical and financial challenges remain among European allies regarding the implementation of the plan. Trump has also given Russian President Vladimir Putin a limited timeframe to negotiate peace before imposing severe tariffs, underscoring his commitment to ending the conflict without direct U.S. military involvement. White House officials emphasize that this strategy reflects "Europe standing up for Europe" with U.S. military support, signaling a shift in transatlantic burden-sharing amid ongoing tensions with Russia.