Ukraine proposes new workaround to get US weapons as Trump halts direct aid

July 3, 2025 | Kyiv/Washington D.C. — As former U.S. President Donald Trump tightens his grip on the Republican nomination and reiterates his intention to freeze direct military aid to Ukraine if reelected, Kyiv has moved swiftly to propose a novel workaround aimed at ensuring a continued flow of American weaponry—without the need for direct U.S. government financing.

The strategy, revealed by senior Ukrainian officials on Tuesday, involves leveraging a coalition of European nations and private defense contractors to purchase American-made arms, effectively sidestepping Washington’s political impasse. The move comes as concerns mount over potential disruptions to Ukraine’s defense supply chain amid renewed Russian offensives and dwindling NATO stockpiles.

New Supply Mechanism Proposed

Under the proposed model, European governments—particularly the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands—would pool funds to place orders for U.S. weapons on Ukraine’s behalf. These orders would be routed through a public-private procurement alliance, involving American defense contractors and intermediary logistics firms, which would then deliver arms directly to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, in an interview with The Kyiv Independent, stated:

“We must act preemptively. If one door closes in Washington, we’re determined to open others through Berlin, London, or Brussels. This is not only about weapons—it’s about survival.”

Trump’s Statement Fuels Urgency

Trump, in a speech last week in Michigan, reiterated his stance that "no more blank checks" would go to Ukraine if he returns to the White House. He emphasized redirecting funds toward “America’s domestic priorities,” echoing his 2020 rhetoric.

While Congress has passed a $60 billion military aid package earlier this year, Ukrainian officials worry that future tranches under a potential Trump presidency could be frozen or delayed, as happened during his 2019 impeachment-triggering phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

European Response: Quiet Coordination, Open Support

European allies have responded cautiously but positively to the proposal. A German Foreign Ministry source confirmed that exploratory discussions had begun in Brussels regarding collective purchasing agreements for Ukrainian arms.

UK Defence Secretary James Cartlidge told Sky News:

“We stand ready to support Ukraine—through NATO, bilateral arrangements, or innovative mechanisms. The fight against Russian aggression must continue, regardless of U.S. political cycles.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also acknowledged the need for “flexible financing and delivery models” in a press briefing in Oslo.

Defense Industry Welcomes Plan

U.S. defense manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics, are reportedly monitoring the workaround with interest. Analysts note that even without direct U.S. government aid, demand for their products could remain robust through third-party orders.

Daniel Fried, former U.S. Ambassador to Poland and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, commented:

“The workaround may offer a politically neutral pathway to keep Ukraine armed. It satisfies Europe’s moral imperative and allows U.S. companies to operate within legal boundaries.”

According to a recent Bloomberg Intelligence report, European defense spending has increased by 28% year-on-year since 2022. With Ukraine’s needs still acute, the workaround could redirect procurement flows while maintaining U.S. production lines.

Challenges Remain: Logistics and Oversight

Despite its promise, the model faces logistical and legal hurdles. Some U.S. arms sales are subject to export controls and congressional oversight, particularly those involving advanced systems like HIMARS, Patriot missiles, or Abrams tanks.

There are also concerns over accountability. Delivering high-grade arms via third-party funding raises red flags for compliance and tracking—especially as the Pentagon continues to tighten rules on end-use monitoring after reports of diverted munitions in other conflict zones.

Still, Ukrainian officials argue that the stakes justify the effort. Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, called the workaround “an urgent innovation in the face of existential threats.”

Investor and Market Outlook

The geopolitical tremors from this development are rippling through defense and European financial markets. Shares of European defense firms like BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, and Saab rose 2–3% in intraday trading following the news, while U.S. defense ETFs also saw marginal upticks.

Analysts believe prolonged military demand—whether funded by the U.S., EU, or private means—will benefit defense-sector equities.

Nadia Boulanger, defense sector analyst at Barclays, wrote in a client note:

“Trump’s rhetoric is a political headwind, but Ukraine’s workaround may insulate the arms supply chain. Investors should consider this a net-neutral to mildly positive development for transatlantic defense firms.”

Currency markets remained stable, though the euro edged slightly higher against the dollar, reflecting confidence in European leadership amid American policy uncertainty.

A Test of Strategic Adaptability

As Ukraine continues its defense against a persistent and evolving Russian threat, the proposal underscores Kyiv’s adaptability under pressure. While Trump’s foreign policy remains a wildcard, Ukraine’s workaround could establish a new precedent for multilateral military aid—less dependent on the U.S. alone and more reflective of a decentralized Western alliance.

Whether this workaround proves sustainable—or merely a stopgap—will depend on the political winds in Washington and the resolve of European partners in the months ahead.