In remarks to NBC News on Thursday evening, Trump stated that he had agreed with NATO to send weapons to Ukraine, with the alliance covering "100% of the cost." He indicated that the shipments would include Patriot missiles and other defensive arms, while reiterating his "disappointment" with Russia’s handling of the Ukraine war.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had earlier posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he spoke with Trump and other leaders to urge "greater efforts to ensure Ukraine receives more ammunition and air defenses."

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday before meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said:
"We will send more weapons to Ukraine—they must be able to defend themselves."
"They’re taking heavy hits right now… and we’ll have to send more defensive weapons first and foremost."

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) later confirmed in a statement that, under Trump’s direction, it would dispatch additional defensive arms to Ukraine to "ensure Ukrainians can defend themselves" while diplomatic efforts for lasting peace continue.