"We are selling weapons to European countries, and then they transfer them to Ukraine. President Donald Trump is raising the selling price of weapons by 10%. This money can be used to cover the cost of protecting Ukraine's airspace," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on 20/8/2025.
Secretary Bessent stated that the US expects to recoup its investment through an economic partnership with Ukraine after the conflict ends. Washington has deployed separate investments for this purpose, but Bessent said President Trump "is acting cautiously and carefully."
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German Patriot missile launcher. Photo: Bundeswehr |
German Patriot missile launcher. Photo: Bundeswehr
"We have created an economic partnership, and it could bring significant benefits to the American people once the conflict ends. We have the ability to recoup our investments. A positive outcome in Ukraine is also good for us, but for this to happen, the conflict must end," Bessent said.
Ukraine seeks security guarantees from NATO members to prevent future conflict with Russia. Several European countries have expressed their willingness to deploy troops to Ukraine, a move Russia opposes.
President Trump has ruled out deploying US troops to Ukraine. US officials indicate Washington could contribute by supporting air patrols or providing satellite data. The specific form of support the US might provide to Ukraine remains unclear.
"Regarding security, Europe is ready to send troops to the field. We are ready to help them, especially in air operations because we possess things that no one else has," Trump said on 19/8/2025. The White House later stated that Trump has several related options but did not disclose details.
A few days after the conflict erupted in early 2022, Kyiv requested NATO establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine. This request was rejected as it significantly increased the risk of direct confrontation between Western and Russian aircraft, potentially escalating the conflict. Western experts believe a peacetime air patrol mission over Ukraine would be less risky.
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US M1A1 tanks arrive in Germany in 5/2023. Photo: US Army |
US M1A1 tanks arrive in Germany in 5/2023. Photo: US Army
NATO fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft regularly patrol Eastern European airspace, typically near the Ukrainian border, to monitor Russian military activity. Patrolling Ukrainian airspace would be a new development, and it is unclear whether the US is prepared to provide this type of support.
Supporting Ukraine's air defense could also involve strengthening the country's air defense capabilities. On 1/8/2025, Germany announced it would transfer two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine after Washington agreed to prioritize providing a new system to Berlin, bypassing the standard contract queue.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Business Insider)
