US President Donald Trump has signalled that European countries could be asked to pay Washington for weapons and ammunition previously supplied to Ukraine, while suggesting that US military sales to allies may be temporarily restricted.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump rejected reports that America’s ammunition stocks had been seriously depleted by the war in Iran, saying the United States was increasing production and replenishing its reserves.
“We’re keeping them for ourselves, the USA, rather than selling them to others, but sales to Allies will start again soon,” Trump wrote.
Trump then turned his attention to Europe and Ukraine, arguing that the United States had provided enormous amounts of military assistance without sufficient payment.
“Hundreds of billions of dollars were given to Ukraine and NATO, free of charge, but Europe should have paid. We will ask for that money, although somewhat belatedly,” he said, blaming the administration of former President Joe Biden.
The remarks signal a potentially significant shift in Washington’s approach to military assistance to its European allies.
Under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative established by the US and NATO last year, European countries pay for American-made weapons that are then supplied to Ukraine.
Trump’s latest comments nevertheless raise a broader question about the future of transatlantic defence cooperation: is US military support becoming a transaction rather than an alliance obligation?
For Europe, the message is increasingly clear. Washington expects its allies to shoulder a far greater share of the cost of supporting Ukraine — and of their own defence.
Trump is not simply asking Europe to spend more. He is signalling that America may send the bill for what Europe previously received for free.
