WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said he intends to seek repayment from European countries for American military assistance previously supplied to Ukraine, introducing another potential source of tension between Washington and its European allies over the cost of the war.
Trump said in a social media post on Thursday that European governments should reimburse the United States for military aid and munitions Washington has provided to Ukraine during its war with Russia.
His comments also appeared to raise questions over future US weapons sales to allied countries, at a time when European governments are under growing pressure to assume a greater share of responsibility for Ukraine’s military requirements.
Trump has repeatedly argued that European NATO members should shoulder more of the financial burden for their own defence and for supporting Kyiv.
The president also rejected reports that US ammunition reserves had been dangerously depleted, an issue attracting greater attention as Washington simultaneously supports military operations connected to the escalating conflict with Iran.
Trump said the United States was increasing weapons production and rebuilding its stockpiles, although the demands created by simultaneous conflicts have intensified debate over the American defence industry’s capacity to rapidly replenish key munitions.