Can Ukraine buy direct from

[Dr. T]

U.S. military equipment manufacturers and bypass the Orange Influenza? Asking for a true friend.

[Klarkashton]

1. I don't think so. But the EU probably can.

[Johnny2X2X]

2. They cannot

All of those sales are subject to DoD approval. And the US can even nix sale of our technology through other 3rd parties.

[GP6971]

3. Probably not. They would need

export licenses which the administration wouldn't issue.

[Dr. T]

4. Black market?

Or have I been watching too many movies with this theme?

[sdfernando]

6. While I'm sure the black market is an option

the cost is prohibitive. And there is no way they could buy at the scale required anyway.

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

7. They probably are to a degree.

Things like Soviet-era bullets and AK47s that are still a glut on that market. But the quantity and sophistication of the arms needed, together with financing, makes that not much of an option

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

5. All of the above plus they can't afford it.

It's unthinkable that US corporations would extend credit to Ukraine directly without governmental guarantees, and Ukraine doesn't have the currency reserves to pay cash on order or delivery, given the quantity and individual cost of the weapons involved.

That was kinda the excuse behind the idea of a minerals deal, but Trump wanted everything for nothing, and it never got beyond the talking phase. Who told Trump he wanted that deal in the first place is an interesting question, because of the way that Trump is selling access, and Trump is too stupid to know what they're for. Anyhow, the Big Agreement that was supposed to be signed was merely an agreement to keep negotiating, but I think what the Trump really wanted that day was to humiliate Zelensky.

[Dr. T]

8. How did Prescott Bush get away

with selling arms to Nazi Germany in the 1930's?

[Srkdqltr]

10. could be in the '30s there were no restrictions? Different times

[mitch96]

12. Follow the money... It's usually about money and power...nt

[haele]

9. No. They have to contract through the DoD as a Foreign Military

Which means US companies can be ordered not to sell components that can be used for weapons to them.

[hack89]

11. No

Military technology is protected - it requires government permission to export.

[mitch96]

13. But they can buy a bucket load from the EU..Keep it in the family so to speak...nt