Ukraine has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s reversal on arms support, which will see NATO allies donate weapons, including Patriot missile systems, with American replacements supplied in return. However, uncertainty persists over the specifics, as European and U.S. officials warn that practical implementation remains unresolved.

President Donald Trump’s latest move to support Ukraine has sparked both celebration and confusion among Kyiv’s allies. Under a new arrangement discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European countries would donate their existing weapons systems, and the U.S. would supply them with replacements. Trump confirmed that Patriot missile defense systems could reach Ukraine within days.

While Kyiv and its allies have welcomed what appears to be a significant policy shift, U.S. and European officials stress the details are far from finalized. “As always with these things, the devil is in the details,” said a northern European ambassador in Washington.

Europe Left Guessing

Diplomatic sources revealed that many European nations first learned of Trump’s proposal when it was announced publicly. Discussions are ongoing to determine which countries will donate their systems and when. NATO’s security mechanism in Germany is expected to coordinate any eventual deliveries.

So far, countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland have expressed tentative support, though officials admit the practicalities are still being negotiated. Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned no Patriot systems would arrive before autumn.

Political and Strategic Considerations

Trump’s plan seeks to reconcile Republican skepticism over aid to Ukraine with NATO’s strategic interests. Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, said this approach fits Trump’s campaign rhetoric of pushing Europe to bear more defense responsibilities. However, Trump’s claim that one NATO country holds 17 Patriot systems sparked confusion; no such NATO member has that many.

European officials insist any weapons sent should be recognized as European support, not U.S. generosity. “If you promise to give the weapons, but say that somebody else is going to pay for it, it's not really given by you, is it?” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Trump’s hardened rhetoric against Russia signals a recognition that President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to negotiate sincerely. U.S. officials said Trump acknowledged Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine’s eastern regions. Yet some European capitals remain wary of how robust or durable Trump’s commitment truly is.