A document cited by FT revealed that Kyiv has offered to purchase $100 billion worth of American weapons, financed by European partners, in exchange for firm US commitments to Ukraine’s security after the war.
The draft did not specify the list of weapons but underscored Kyiv’s urgent requirement for at least 10 US-made Patriot air defence systems to protect cities and infrastructure, alongside other missile systems and equipment.The proposals were shared with European Union allies before President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-level talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, August 18, four people familiar with the matter told FT.
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Ukraine stressed in the document that a “lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to Putin, but on [a] strong security framework that will prevent future aggression”.
$50 billion drone partnership
Alongside the arms deal, Kyiv suggested a $50 billion arrangement with US defence companies to jointly produce drones, building on domestic advances since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, as per FT.
However, the document did not clarify how the funds would be split between procurement and investment. Ukrainian officials view the partnership as vital for strengthening their defence industry.Compensation and sanctions
Ukraine is also demanding full compensation for wartime damages, potentially through $300 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets in Western nations.
The document added that any sanctions relief should only follow Russia’s compliance with a future peace agreement, as per FT.
Trump’s remarks and ceasefire discussions
During the Washington summit, which included several European leaders, Trump said the US would support Ukraine’s security but emphasised, “We’re not giving anything. We’re selling weapons.”
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The talks came shortly after Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska where he appeared sympathetic to Moscow’s demand for territorial concessions. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
However, Zelensky has firmly rejected any settlement involving land concessions. Kyiv has also reportedly dismissed Putin’s Alaska proposal to freeze the frontline if Ukrainian forces withdrew from Donetsk and Luhansk, warning it could provide a “foothold for a further and rapid advance”.
Trump said, “We’re going to let the president go over and talk to the president and we’ll see how that works out,” after the meeting with Zelensky and EU leaders.
