WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has endorsed a plan to have European allies buy billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment that can be transferred to Ukraine as Kyiv looks for way to better defend itself against intensified Russian attacks.

If Trump now permits a substantial amount of U.S. weapons to continue to flow to Ukraine, that would mark an important change. Since Trump took office, many in Ukraine and European capitals have thought that might well be the best-case scenario for Ukraine, given the U.S. president's clear hostility to continuing U.S. donations.

France and Italy have refused to participate in Donald Trump’s plan to send US-made weapons to Ukraine.

President Trump announced a new arms deal for Ukraine this week, which includes sought after Patriot missiles.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday as the United States warms up to the idea of providing Ukraine with missiles in its war with Russia. Trump teased a “major announcement” on Monday regarding Russia,

Trump agrees to sell billions in US arms to NATO countries including Germany, Finland and Denmark and others for quick distribution to Ukraine, following his ultimatum to Putin on peace talks.

President Trump is hosting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday as the U.S. agrees to sell new and more weapons to Europe and Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to meet President Donald Trump this week on the heels of the U.S. leader announcing plans to sell NATO allies weaponry that it can then pass on to Ukraine.