Trump is diverting Ukraine aid meant for Nato countries to Latin American allies, reports say

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

President Trump has redirected military aid packages earmarked for Nato allies to Latin American countries aligned with Washington, according to reports, in a move that risks deepening the rift between the US and European partners over Ukraine support. The diversion comes as Ukraine fights to hold territory in its battered north, with entire villages emptied and the few remaining residents struggling to survive. Kyiv is simultaneously pushing ahead with its own weapons programme, with its domestically produced FP-7 tactical ballistic missile having seen its first operational deployment in combat.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the FP-7's first combat use on Telegram, saying simply 'Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile FP-7. First combat use.'

The FP-7, built by Ukrainian firm Fire Point, has a range of around 200km and has also entered development as a ballistic interceptor for the European Freyja missile defence programme.

In Ukraine's devastated northern villages, an 88-year-old woman identified only as Grandma Hanna is reported to be among the last residents still clinging on amid the destruction.