By Andreas Lundberg 
France and Italy have declined to participate in a new NATO initiative to fund and deliver U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, according to reports from Politico and La Stampa on July 16. The plan, announced during a July 14 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, involves NATO purchasing advanced U.S. arms, including air defense systems, for Ukraine.
French officials cited President Emmanuel Macron’s push to bolster Europe’s domestic defense industries as a key reason for opting out. France is also grappling with budget constraints amid rising defense spending demands. Similarly, Italy prioritized fiscal limitations and its focus on alternative systems, like the Italian-French SAMP/T air defense system already provided to Ukraine. Italian Defense Ministry sources emphasized that the decision does not reflect a lack of support for Ukraine, and Italy is exploring logistical contributions, such as transporting U.S.-supplied weapons by air, rail, or sea.
The initiative, backed by Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands, and Nordic nations, aims to support Ukraine’s defense against intensified Russian attacks. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski argued that Russia’s frozen assets, not European taxpayers, should fund the arms. The plan, driven by Germany and Rutte, serves as a workaround to Trump’s reluctance for direct U.S. aid, with Patriot missile deliveries already underway.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the initiative’s importance for European security and pressuring Russia toward peace talks. While France and Italy’s absence marks a divergence in NATO’s approach, both nations remain committed to supporting Ukraine through alternative means, as the alliance navigates complex financial and strategic dynamics to bolster Kyiv’s defenses.
Dale Chaucer