Ukraine to Buy $100B in U.S. Weapons with European Support for Security Guarantees
Ukraine plans to purchase $100 billion worth of American weapons with European funding in exchange for security guarantees from the US after a possible peaceful settlement with Russia, The Gaze reports, citing Financial Times.
According to a document seen by the Financial Times, Ukraine has promised to buy $100 billion worth of US weapons with European funding in exchange for security guarantees from the US after a possible peace settlement with Russia. Kyiv and Washington also plan to sign a $50 billion deal to produce drones with Ukrainian companies that have pioneered the technology since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
The document does not specify all types of weapons, but it does include plans to purchase at least 10 Patriot air defense systems and other missiles and equipment. Part of the agreement on drones remains unclear — whether it will be a purchase or an investment.
Ukraine is offering large purchases of American weapons partly to demonstrate the benefits for the US and convince Trump to support security guarantees. His statement, “We're not giving anything away. We're selling weapons,” emphasizes that the decision is beneficial to American industry, which makes the offer more convincing.
The document also reiterates Ukraine's call for a ceasefire, which Trump previously supported but then abandoned in favor of a comprehensive peace settlement.
During his meeting with President Zelensky, President Trump responded to a question about the serious consequences of Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire by stating that a formal ceasefire was not necessary and that a peace agreement could be reached even during military operations, as he had done in previous conflicts.
"I don't think you need ceasefire. You know, if you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war," Trump responded. "I didn't do any ceasefires. And I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically why, you know, one country or the other wouldn't want it."
According to the document, Ukraine emphasizes that lasting peace must be built on a strong security system, not on concessions or “gifts” from Russia, and refuses to make any territorial concessions or freeze the front line without guarantees for its security.
Kyiv insists on a ceasefire as the first step towards a full-fledged peace agreement and rejects Putin's proposals, which create risks for the further advance of Russian troops into Ukrainian territory.
The document also stresses the need for full compensation from Russia for the damage caused by the war, potentially at the expense of $300 billion in Russian frozen assets in Western countries. Any easing of sanctions can only take place on the condition that Russia adheres to a future peace agreement and “plays fair.”
Read more on The Gaze: Three Things You Need to Know About Zelenskyy’s and European Leaders’ White House Visit