US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said in a Fox News interview on 15 July that the US President Trump has sent a very clear message to Vladimir Putin.
"We're giving you a chance for peace, but if you want war, we will arm Ukraine," US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker added, outlining the administration's dual approach of diplomatic outreach paired with military support.
This comes as the United States announced it will continue supplying weapons systems to Ukraine while European allies and Canada cover the costs. Trump announced on 14 July a new military assistance package for Ukraine totaling $10 billion, which includes Patriot missiles, air defense weapons, and artillery.
The centerpiece of the weapons package involves Patriot air defense systems, with the US allowing NATO member states operating these systems to transfer them to Ukraine from their stockpiles in exchange for American replacements. The plan encompasses 17 Patriot systems in total.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the decision to provide air defense systems, stating that every effort must be made to force Russia to end the war.
Germany plans to contribute two Patriot systems to Ukraine, though German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated delivery may face delays.
Whitaker framed the weapons deliveries as a direct message to Moscow. "We gave you a chance for peace. President Trump is a peacemaker. But if you want war, we will arm Ukraine — and Europe will pay for it," he said.
Senator Lindsey Graham announced on July 13 that a "record flow of weapons" would begin arriving in Ukraine in the coming days to strengthen its defense capabilities.
During a 14 July White House press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump threatened to impose 100% "secondary tariffs" on Russia if a peace deal in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.
