Trump signals end to free support, lend-lease considered — Defense Express

He shared his insights during a broadcast on Espreso TV.

"Lend-lease could mean the same as it did under Biden: signing a law that would allow Ukraine to receive weapons on a credit basis. Previously, Ukraine received weapons for free as aid. However, Trump does not seek to support Ukraine in this way. This is his stance and his desire to take a specific side in history. That is the reality. This is why discussions about rare earth metals have begun," Katkov noted.

It is possible that, amid this, a lend-lease law has emerged, which would require Ukraine to compensate for all weaponry in one form or another.

"Under the same conditions, during World War II, all U.S. allies fighting Nazi Germany signed lend-lease agreements. There was also an obligation to return or compensate for the weapons and civilian aid. In 1945, the U.S. forgave these debts for its allies, but the Soviet Union refused to return the money or provide compensation, leading to legal disputes. This gave rise to the myth about lend-lease. Only during the Perestroika era did they agree to repay a small portion," the military expert added.

• On February 10, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson announced a bill that could allow the U.S. to provide Ukraine with "victory weapons."