U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he intends to seek reimbursement from European countries for military equipment and ammunition previously provided to Ukraine as it continues its war with Russia. His comments also appeared to indicate that weapons deliveries to some U.S. allies could be temporarily restricted.
In a post on social media, Trump dismissed reports that U.S. ammunition reserves had been significantly reduced by the separate conflict involving Iran. He said the United States was increasing weapons production and rebuilding its stockpiles.
“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.
Trump also argued that European nations should have covered more of the cost of assistance provided to Ukraine and NATO. He said the United States would now seek repayment, while placing responsibility for the previous policy on former President Joe Biden’s administration.
The United States and NATO established the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List initiative last year. Under the arrangement, European nations fund purchases of American-made weapons that are subsequently supplied to Ukraine.
Concerns over U.S. weapons inventories intensified last month after Reuters reported that the U.S. Army had depleted a substantial portion of its supply of precision-guided, long-range missiles during the conflict with Iran. The situation has prompted questions about the military’s ability to respond to potential future conflicts.
The wars in Ukraine and Iran, along with their effects on the U.S. economy, could also have political consequences. The conflicts may influence whether Republicans are able to retain control of both chambers of Congress following next year’s elections.
Oil prices climbed to their highest levels in roughly six weeks on Thursday. The increase came as fresh U.S. strikes against Iran and renewed Israeli warnings toward Tehran heightened concerns over potential interruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. Shipping activity has also remained constrained around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday partly attributed the recent rise in oil and gas prices to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
“We are going through an energy shock right now,” Bessent told Fox News, pointing to both conflicts. He said Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities and refined petroleum products were contributing to higher prices worldwide, while the conflict involving Iran was adding further pressure to global energy markets.
