European countries are preparing to finance American weapons for Ukraine
European countries have begun difficult negotiations on financing American weapons for Ukraine after President Donald Trump agreed to the transfer of armaments on the condition that Europeans would cover the costs, reports Washington Post.
According to the publication, about $10 billion in armaments need to be covered in the first stage. The main priority is the Patriot air defense batteries and interceptor missiles that Kyiv urgently needs to protect against Russian ballistic missiles.
Specific figures on Patriots:
- Germany has already transferred 3 Patriot systems to Ukraine
- Zelensky requested 10 batteries from partners and received promises for 3 so far
- Germany agreed to 'facilitate the provision' of another 5 Patriot systems
- Germany offered to finance 2 batteries and is negotiating with allies to raise funds for the rest
Germany and Norway open up to financing
Germany has taken a radical step: this year the country changed its constitution to allow Berlin to borrow hundreds of billions of euros for military expenses, including armaments for Ukraine. The new plan could allow for up to $1 trillion in defense spending over the next decade.
Norway, which has turned its oil revenues into the world's largest sovereign fund, has also offered to help pay for the Patriot system. The country has more than doubled its commitments to aid Ukraine to $7.8 billion this year.
After President Donald Trump agreed to transfer American weapons to Ukraine on the condition that Europe would cover these costs, European countries began negotiations on financing. Germany and Norway are opening up on this issue and are ready to help pay for the Patriot systems for Ukraine.