Trump intends to step up military support for Ukraine
US President Donald Trump is considering stepping up military support for Ukraine to help Ukrainian troops achieve a breakthrough on the front line. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing officials familiar with the course of negotiations during the NATO summit.
According to the publication, Ukraine’s recent successes in the war with Russia have impressed the US president. During the NATO summit, Trump compared the current situation to his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in February 2025, when he stated that the Ukrainian leader “had no cards to play” in confronting Russia.
During a joint appearance with Zelenskyy, Trump said: “It’s hard to believe, isn’t it, from the Oval Office to today. I think we’ve built a very good relationship. This is just the beginning. And you know, the country has a great future ahead of it.”
According to the Financial Times, European delegations welcomed the US president’s change of tone regarding Ukraine. According to one of the newspaper’s sources, Trump made it clear that the United States could provide more active support to Ukraine and was considering additional measures that would help Kyiv achieve a breakthrough on the battlefield. Another official noted that the US president had behaved “dignifiedly and seriously”.
Speaking to journalists, Trump said he planned to hold a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also stated that, in his view, the conditions put forward by the Russian side for ending the war were changing.
“I think they’re probably getting a bit better, moving closer to some of the things you like. We are putting strong pressure on President Putin. I don’t think he likes what’s happening. I don’t think he’s thrilled about what’s happening,” said Trump, addressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At the same time, the Financial Times notes that following Trump’s statement, no public reports of such a conversation with Vladimir Putin have emerged. The US and Russian presidents last spoke on 4 July.
The publication also points out that Washington’s change of stance was reflected in the joint declaration of the NATO summit. The document emphasises that Ukraine contributes to transatlantic security, and the allies reaffirmed their unwavering support for its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also states that aid to Ukraine must be fair, predictable and long-term.
NATO countries have announced their intention to allocate 70 billion euros to Ukraine this year and at least the same amount next year. According to the Financial Times, the funding will be provided by other Alliance members and through a loan approved by the European Union.
Sources speaking to the publication expressed the hope that Donald Trump’s change of stance would contribute to a long-term strengthening of US support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia.
