Trump Comments on Arms Sales to Ukraine

US President Donald Trump stated that they do not sell arms directly to Ukraine. Trump made the announcement on his social media account, stating that the arms sales are made to NATO countries and he does not concern himself with how these arms are distributed afterwards. Trump noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin understands the situation, saying, "Putin knows I sell the arms to NATO countries, not Ukraine. They pay full price, and I have no idea how these arms are distributed later." Under the "PURL" initiative established by the US and NATO, the US-made arms and ammunition required by Ukraine are first purchased by European countries and then transferred to Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly stated that arms shipments to Ukraine hinder the resolution of the conflict, draw NATO countries directly into the conflict, and amount to "playing with fire." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any cargo transporting arms to Ukraine is a legitimate target for Russia.