Zelensky Proposes $90 Billion U.S. Arms Deal Backed by Europe as Part of Security Guarantees

Washington, Aug 2025 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday revealed that discussions at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders included a proposal for Ukraine to purchase $90 billion in American weapons, largely funded through European partners, as part of Kyiv’s push for long-term security guarantees.

Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, Zelensky said another element of the plan would involve Ukraine expanding its domestic drone production, with some of those drones to be purchased by the United States. He emphasized, however, that the details remain under negotiation and no final agreement has been reached. “The agreement will be formalized over the next week or 10 days,” Zelensky said.

According to documents circulated among allies and cited by media, the proposal also outlines a $50 billion drone production deal with U.S. companies. Kyiv’s strategy is widely seen as an attempt to align with Trump’s emphasis on economic benefits for American industry while also strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Trump, asked about future assistance to Ukraine, underlined that U.S. support would be framed commercially. “We’re not giving anything. We’re selling weapons,” he told reporters, reinforcing his longstanding preference for transactional arrangements.

The Ukrainian document underscores that any settlement must rest on deterrence rather than concessions. It states: “A lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to President Putin, but on a strong security framework that will prevent future aggression.”

Kyiv has already dismissed Moscow’s latest proposal to freeze the frontline in exchange for limited troop withdrawals from Donetsk and Luhansk, warning that such a deal would only embolden Russia to resume attacks later.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who joined Zelensky and Trump in Washington, insisted that a ceasefire must precede deeper negotiations. “I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire,” Merz said, urging stronger international pressure on Moscow.

The Ukrainian plan also calls for Russia to compensate for wartime damages, potentially using $300 billion in frozen Russian assets held in Western countries. It further stresses that any sanctions relief should be tied strictly to Moscow’s compliance with a peace agreement.

The proposals came just days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump claimed “great progress” but admitted that no breakthrough deal had yet been reached.

Team Maverick.