‘We’ll Be Asking For That Money’: Trump Wants Europe To Pay US Back For Ukraine Aid

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said European countries should repay the United States for military aid and ammunition previously provided to Ukraine, reviving the question of who should bear the cost of Washington’s support for Kyiv.

Trump also appeared to signal that the US would temporarily hold back some weapons sales to allied countries as it replenishes its own stockpiles, which he said had come under pressure during the separate war with Iran.

“We are taking them for ourselves, the U.S.A., rather than selling them to others, but the sales to Allies will soon again, begin,” Trump said in a social media post.

He also took aim at reports that US ammunition reserves had been heavily depleted, saying Washington was increasing production

and building up its stockpiles.

Trump blamed the previous administration of Democratic President Joe Biden for the cost of US support for Ukraine and NATO.

“Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and NATO, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for — If they were only asked,” Trump wrote, adding: “We will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly!”

The US and NATO last year established the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List initiative, under which European countries pay for US weapons supplied to Ukraine.

The comments come amid growing scrutiny of US weapons reserves after the military’s involvement in the war with Iran.

Reuters reported last month that the US Army had used much of its stockpile of highly accurate, long-range missiles during the Iran war, raising questions about the military’s ability to respond to a future conflict.

The wars in Ukraine and Iran have also created economic pressures that could become a political issue for Trump and his fellow Republicans ahead of next year’s US congressional elections.

Oil prices rise amid Iran tensions

Oil prices climbed to fresh six-week highs on Thursday as the latest US strikes on Iran and renewed Israeli threats against Tehran revived concerns over disruptions to West Asian energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a particular concern, with vessels continuing to face restrictions as tensions in the region remain high.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday also linked rising oil and gas prices partly to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

“We are going through an energy shock right now due to both the war in Ukraine because, you know, Ukraine has decided that they want to blow up Russian energy assets and refined products,” Bessent told Fox News.

“That is creating upward price pressure on a global basis and then the conflict in Iran,” he added.