Key Point Summary – Trump Ukraine Weapons Plan

• Trump to announce Ukraine weapons plan Monday
• Offensive arms expected, including long-range missiles
• NATO countries to fund U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine
• Decision follows Zelensky’s proposal at NATO summit
• Trump angered by Putin’s escalation and rejection of ceasefire
• Meeting with NATO chief Rutte will finalize initiative
• U.S. officials describe Trump-Zelensky meeting as “best yet”

Major Shift: Trump Turns Up the Heat on Putin

President Donald Trump is preparing to unveil a dramatic new plan to arm Ukraine with offensive weapons, according to two sources who spoke with Axios. The announcement, scheduled for Monday, marks a sharp departure from Trump’s earlier stance of providing only defensive aid.

For months, Trump has carefully avoided measures he feared could provoke Moscow. But now, sources say he’s ready to change course.

And the Kremlin should be paying attention.

Offensive Weapons in the Mix

The plan is expected to include long-range missiles capable of striking targets far inside Russian territory—including Moscow itself. Though the final decision remains under wraps, multiple officials believe the U.S. is on the brink of a significant escalation in support for Ukraine’s military campaign.

“Trump is really pissed at Putin,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Axios. “His announcement tomorrow is going to be very aggressive.”

It’s a message not just for Ukraine—but for the Kremlin.

NATO and Zelensky in the Picture

The new initiative will be presented alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a high-stakes meeting. European countries are expected to foot the bill for U.S.-made weapons, a strategy that could speed up delivery while avoiding domestic budget battles.

Behind the scenes, the proposal originated from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the NATO summit two weeks ago, Zelensky reportedly pitched the idea directly to Trump—and the U.S. president listened.

Officials described the Trump-Zelensky exchange as the most productive to date.

“Zelensky came like a normal human being, not crazy,” a U.S. official said. “He had a group of people with him that also seemed not crazy.” Notably, Zelensky wore a suit to the summit—the first time he had done so since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Frustration with Putin Boils Over

Trump’s tone toward Russia has shifted dramatically in recent days. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, Trump grew visibly angry after a July 3 phone call with Vladimir Putin.

During the call, the Russian leader reportedly made it clear he had no intention of seeking peace—and that more attacks were coming. Since then, Russia has escalated its strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

That conversation appears to have pushed Trump over the edge.

A Calculated Gamble—or Dangerous Escalation?

The plan, if confirmed, would be the most aggressive U.S. military support Ukraine has received under Trump. Until now, his administration had focused on sending interceptors, drones, and defensive systems.

Long-range missiles, however, represent a red line—one that could change both the battlefield and global diplomacy.

European leaders, according to sources, support the move as long as Washington shares the risk. Many view the moment as a final chance to shift the war’s momentum and force Putin to rethink his strategy.

Still, the White House declined to comment on the record, underscoring the secrecy—and stakes—surrounding Monday’s announcement.

What Comes Next?

Trump’s move is likely to draw fierce criticism from anti-intervention voices at home. But his base may embrace the hardline message if framed as standing up to Putin rather than simply defending Ukraine.

All eyes will be on Monday’s joint appearance with NATO chief Rutte. The world will watch to see how far Trump is willing to go—and how Russia responds.

If long-range missiles are truly on the table, the war in Ukraine may be about to enter its most dangerous phase yet.