The US-led bloc lacks both the funds and weaponry to prop up Kiev, Francois Chauvancy says

Washington's plans to funnel more military aid to Ukraine through NATO may run up against a lack of funds and hardware, retired French Brigadier General Francois Chauvancy has warned.

Chauvancy made the remarks to Le Figaro over the weekend, raising questions about US President Donald Trump's plans.

"I don't see how NATO can purchase weapons for a third country. It doesn't have the financial means and can't empty its stockpiles in the areas it controls, as they are few in number. Finally, it can't deliver weapons overnight without approval from NATO structures," Chauvancy stated.

The US president has been "primarily aiming for publicity," the ex-general suggested, adding that Trump's actions with regard to the Ukraine conflict had been primarily aimed at the US public. "As always, domestic politics govern his foreign policy," Chauvancy suggested.

The scheme was officially unveiled by Trump on Monday while he was hosting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. The military aid for Ukraine will be bankrolled by European NATO members and coordinated by Washington's envoy to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, according to the US president.

"We've made a deal today where we are going to be sending them weapons, and they're going to be paying for them," Trump stated.

It is not immediately known what weaponry will be supplied to Kiev under the new scheme, but the aid is expected to be worth billions of dollars. According to Trump, several nations were ready to supply 17 US-made Patriot anti-aircraft systems from their arsenals. It was not clear whether the US president was referring to individual launchers or full Patriot batteries, which include multiple vehicles, including command and control, as well as radar systems.

The announced plan constitutes a significant shift in Trump's approach to the Ukraine conflict. The US president previously criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for dragging Washington into the conflict and sending Kiev some $350 billion worth of military aid.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned the West for pumping Ukraine up with assorted weaponry, warning that this only leads to more death and destruction and prolongs the conflict, while having no impact on the ultimate outcome.

(RT.com)