Posted on 07/13/2025 10:37:20 AM PDT by marcusmaximus
President Trump is set to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this week on the heels of the U.S. leader announcing plans to sell NATO allies weapons that it can pass on to Ukraine.
In a statement, NATO said Rutte will be in Washington on Monday and Tuesday and will also meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of Congress.
CBS News reached out to the White House for additional comment.
Sen. Lindsey Graham confirmed on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he and Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal will be meeting with Rutte on Monday.
"A turning point regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine is coming," Graham said.
While NATO's statement did not state a reason for Rutte's trip, it comes after Mr. Trump teased last week that he would make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday, as Ukraine struggles to repel massive and complex air assaults launched by Russian forces.
The president also hinted that his administration will send more defensive weapons to Ukraine amid its war with Russia, days after pausing some weapons shipments.
"We're going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves," Mr. Trump told reporters during a White House event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night.
Graham said on "Face the Nation" to "stay tuned for a plan where America will begin to sell to our European allies tremendous amounts of weapons that can benefit Ukraine."
"The idea of America selling weapons to help Ukraine is very much in play," Graham said.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
Better idea would be to sell them directly to Germany. That way we can be sure to get paid before shipping.
Ukraine is broke. We prop them up. I doubt voters are going to believe Ukraine is buying weapons. Particularly after the last few days.
Trust factor heading down the toilet. lol
“ Sen. Lindsey Graham confirmed on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that he and Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal will be meeting with Rutte on Monday.”
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Marcus DeMinimus, nice crowd of America firsters you’re aligned with. /SARC
Collect the money upfront before shipping weapons.
> Better idea would be to sell them directly to Germany. <
Excellent suggestion. That’s Art of the Deal stuff. I am very much against giving our assets away (to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, etc.). Selling them makes more sense.
Ukraine probably has (or should have) a credit rating of zero. So that’s where your idea comes in. And if Germany declines, too bad for Ukraine. They can yell at Berlin.
“Trust factor heading down the toilet.”
I really thought Trump was bothered by the killing there...but it seems he’s joining the Europeans to keep the war going on as long as possible - and to the same, or worse, outcome as ending it now.
Addition to my post #8:
Out of curiosity I just looked it up. Moody’s rates Ukraine creditworthiness at Ca.
Ca = “extremely speculative”.
The Finch rating service puts Ukraine even lower, at RD.
RD = “in default”.
President Trump told Putin to end the invasion. Putin responded by giving President Trump the middle finger. If you’re for Putin, you’re supporting the enemy.
If the U.S. only sells air defense systems, it still roughly is compatible with stopping the killing.
(but does have a bit of an Oliver North-ian sale during the Reagan administration)
The following arms were supplied to Iran:[42][46]
First arms sales in 1981 (see above)
20 August 1985 – 96 TOW antitank missiles
14 September 1985 – 408 more TOWs
24 November 1985 – 18 Hawk antiaircraft missiles
17 February 1986 – 500 TOWs
27 February 1986 – 500 TOWs
24 May 1986 – 508 TOWs, 240 Hawk spare parts
4 August 1986 – More Hawk spares
28 October 1986 – 500 TOWs
“Sen. Lindsey Graham confirmed on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that he and Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal will be meeting with Rutte on Monday.
“A turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is coming,” Graham said
Chicken Hawk Graham and Stolen Valor DaNang Dick, in one inglorious package
“If you’re for Putin, you’re supporting the enemy.”
Why are you supporting Putin?
I really thought Trump was bothered by the killing there...but it seems he’s joining the Europeans to keep the war going on as long as possible
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More Blood on America’s hands? …no other way to look at it, Biden and now President Trump. “ Defensive weapons”? Fine with me, prove it….but much better to supply humanitarian supplies only.
I don’t think ANYONE supports either side in this war we just DON’T want the US to be involved PERIOD!!! Not wanting the US to be involved has turned into PUTIN LOVERS……..SPIT!!!!
“If the U.S. only sells air defense systems, it still roughly is compatible with stopping the killing.”
ONLY if it causes the side receiving our weapons to then be able to defeat the other side.
So, does anyone REALLY think Ukraine will drive-out Russian troops, and for the few diehards that might think that, do you REALLY think that China will let Russia lose, knowing that they’re next?
The UnitedStates is a party in this war..
No, dumbA, they were on Stalin/USSR side.
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