Trump says Europe will pay back the United States for weapons sent to Ukraine

Donald Trump says Europe could receive a huge bill for military support already sent to Ukraine. The U.S. president announced that Washington would seek reimbursement from European countries for weapons and ammunition supplied to Kyiv, while suggesting that arms sales to allies could be paused temporarily.

Trump made the comments in a social media message on Thursday, Sept. 3. He said the United States had provided Ukraine and NATO with “hundreds of billions of dollars” in weapons and other support for free, arguing that Europe would have paid if it had been asked.

“Hundreds of billions of dollars have been given to Ukraine and NATO, for free, money that Europe would have paid if asked. But we will ask for that money, even if somewhat late!” Trump wrote. He also criticized former President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, which he blames for failing to request payment earlier.

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Hundreds of billions of dollars have been given to Ukraine and NATO, for free, money that Europe would have paid if asked. But we will ask for that money, even if somewhat late!

Trump’s message followed reports that U.S. military ammunition stocks had fallen sharply, particularly because of the war in Iran. He rejected those reports, saying the United States was increasing production and replenishing its own reserves. “We are keeping them for ourselves, for the USA, instead of selling them to others, but sales to allies will begin again soon,” he said.

The United States and NATO created the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List mechanism last year. Under the arrangement, European countries pay for American-made weapons delivered to Ukraine. Trump’s call for retroactive repayment adds pressure on European allies to contribute more to Kyiv’s military support.

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We are keeping them for ourselves, for the USA, instead of selling them to others, but sales to allies will begin again soon.