

ITALY drops out. Germany on the hook for Ukraine
18 snips Jul 17, 2025
Explore NATO's contentious arms dealings for Ukraine, spotlighting Italy's withdrawal and Germany's financial burdens. Dive into the implications of Trump's potential return, including his 'America First' rhetoric clashing with neoconservative pressures. Analyze Russia and China's responses to geopolitical shifts, revealing their contrasting strategies. Finally, uncover the conflicting perspectives on the war, highlighting Putin's focus on strength versus Western calls for ongoing negotiations.
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European NATO Members Opt Out
- Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, France, and Spain are opting out of the NATO weapons purchase scheme for Ukraine.
- Germany is left as the primary European country likely to fund this, while Britain faces budget and military challenges.
Scheme's Origin and Germany's Burden
- The weapons purchasing scheme originated from July discussions mainly involving Trump, Zelensky, and Merz.
- NATO was used instead of the EU to circumvent EU consensus requirements, leaving Germany as the main financer.
Trump's Shift Toward Escalation
- Trump may soon send weapons to Ukraine despite his America First stance due to worsening battlefield conditions.
- He is breaking from his base and embracing neoconservative influence in Ukraine policy.