Trump Unveils NATO Deal to Arm Ukraine as Russian Strikes Target Maternity Hospital

President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell last night, unveiling a groundbreaking NATO agreement that will channel U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine through allied nations. This deal, forged during last month's summit, ensures that NATO foots the bill—100%—for the arms being supplied. "We send weapons to NATO, and NATO reimburses the full cost," Trump emphasized in a candid phone interview. While specifics on the weapons or participating countries remain under wraps, this move signals a strategic pivot in supporting Ukraine's defense amid escalating Russian aggression.

Across the Atlantic, European leaders are stepping up. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently confirmed Berlin’s readiness to purchase additional Patriot systems from the U.S. to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, a commitment voiced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. This comes on the heels of a brief Pentagon pause on aid to Kyiv due to stockpile concerns—a decision Trump swiftly overruled, ensuring defensive arms continue to flow.

Meanwhile, the human cost of the conflict grows grimmer. Overnight Russian strikes across Ukraine claimed nine lives and injured 42, with one attack targeting a maternity hospital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, stating, "Russia targets life. Even where it is just beginning." Thankfully, no fatalities were reported at the hospital, but the strike underscores the brutal reality on the ground. Trump, when pressed on the incident, hinted at forthcoming action with a cryptic, "You'll be seeing things happening." A major statement on Russia is expected from him on Monday.

On the diplomatic front, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is exploring new avenues for peace. After discussions with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at an international conference in Malaysia, Rubio teased a "new and different" approach to ending the war, though details remain elusive. As Trump sharpens his criticism of Vladimir Putin’s refusal to cease hostilities, the world watches to see if this mix of military support and diplomatic maneuvering can shift the tide in this devastating conflict.