Ukraine has presented a bold proposition for the United States: buy $100 billion worth of American weapons and agree to an agreement for a drone worth $50 billion in exchange for a number of security assurances. The proposal was made in a high-level discussion held at the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
The deal is Ukraine’s method of attempting to secure America’s protection following any peace deal with Russia. European countries would be the ones to pay for the weapons, and Ukraine will work in conjunction with US companies to create drones.
Trump Prefers Selling Over Giving Aid
President Trump stated that he would like selling weapons Ukraine instead of giving them away to Ukraine for free. “We’re not giving anything. We’re selling weapons,” Trump stated to reporters after the meeting. This is a good fit with his goal of aiding American businesses earn profits from defense contracts.
The deal for weapons would comprise at least 10 American-designed Patriot system of air defence designed to defend Ukrainian cities. These systems are essential for stopping Russian missile attacks on key structures and civilian areas. A $50-billion drone plan will bring the Ukrainian drone makers who are now experts after the Russian invasion of 2022 along with American companies.
Ukraine Says No to Russian Land Demands
The proposal from Ukraine has a strong statement that No territory will be granted to Russia. The Ukrainian document, which is shared with its allies states the following “lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to Putin, but on a strong security framework that will prevent future aggression“.
Russian the president Vladimir Putin had suggested freezing the battle lines in place in the event that Ukraine pulled troops out of areas of Donetsk as well as Luhansk regions. However, Ukraine opposed this suggestion as it would provide Russia the chance to advance further in Ukrainian territory.
What Happens Next
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now leading discussions together with Ukrainian in talks with European officials to discuss the specifics of security guarantees. Ukrainian officials hope to have a plan at the end of the week. Trump has stated that America will aid in protecting Ukraine via air assistance, however, no US soldiers will be deployed to fight the Ukrainian army on the ground.
The plan also calls for the possibility of making Russia pay for war damage with the $300 billion worth of frozen Russian assets that are held within Western countries. Any relaxation of sanctions against Russia will depend on Moscow adhering to peace accords.
This defense agreement is Ukraine’s strategy to ensure long-term protection and appeal to Trump’s business-oriented approach to international relations.
