Zelensky Proposes $100 Billion U.S. Arms Purchase to Counter U.S.-Russia Rapprochement

Targeting Trump's "America First" Approach
Ukraine Proposes New Security Agreement as an Incentive

It has been reported that Ukraine has proposed purchasing $100 billion (approximately 139 trillion won) worth of American-made weapons in order to secure security guarantees from the United States. This move is seen as an incentive designed to attract the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, especially after last week's U.S.-Russia summit appeared to signal closer ties between the two countries, prompting Ukraine to seek a counterbalance.

The Financial Times (FT) of the UK reported on the 19th (local time) that it had obtained a draft of a new security agreement proposal prepared by the Ukrainian government for the United States.

The document reportedly specifies Ukraine's intention to purchase at least 10 units of the U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system, along with missiles and other equipment. In addition, it includes plans for a separate $50 billion agreement for drone production. The drone agreement also mentions the possible participation of Ukrainian companies that have been utilizing drones since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system is capable of intercepting various airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and fighter jets. It has been regarded as a key weapons system in the war against Russia. Therefore, Ukraine's proposal is interpreted as more than just a defense industry contract; it reflects a strong determination to secure its own national security.

This proposal was delivered to the U.S. side immediately after the U.S.-Russia summit held in Anchorage, Alaska, on the 15th. The summit took place without the participation of Ukraine or European leaders. Initially, President Trump, who had previously called for an immediate ceasefire alongside Western countries, appeared to lean toward the peace agreement advocated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the FT, after observing the rapport between the two leaders, Ukraine presented the U.S. arms purchase proposal as a countermeasure.

Ukraine's proposal also targets President Trump's tendency to prioritize benefits for American industry. In fact, after a White House meeting with President Zelensky and European leaders, President Trump responded to a question about additional military aid to Ukraine by saying, "We are not giving anything. We are selling weapons," indicating that he is only considering support that benefits American industry.

Meanwhile, according to reports from the UK daily The Telegraph and other foreign media, Russia and Ukraine have begun preliminary coordination to hold a bilateral summit chaired by President Trump. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters after the meeting that talks between the two countries are expected to take place within two weeks. It is also reported that President Trump is preparing for a three-way summit in which he would participate.