The United States plans to seek reimbursement from European allies for weapons provided to Ukraine, former President Donald Trump said on social media on Thursday, citing billions of dollars in transfers made under a NATO-backed initiative.
Trump stated that Europe should have financed the equipment under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, a framework developed last year with NATO participation. He added that Washington would now pursue what he described as "somewhat belated" repayment for the transfers, which he estimated at "hundreds of billions of dollars."
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, highlighted broader economic pressures from the conflict, noting that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and regional instability tied to Iran have contributed to a global energy shock. Brent crude futures rose to six-week highs above $95.50 per barrel on Thursday, while West Texas Intermediate approached $91.40, as vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained constrained following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
The proposed reimbursement demand follows reports last month that the U.S. Army’s stockpiles of certain munitions had been depleted due to sustained transfers to Ukraine. Analysts have warned that political shifts in Washington next year could further complicate defense funding decisions amid competing budget priorities.
European officials have not publicly responded to the proposal, which comes as NATO members continue to debate burden-sharing arrangements for the Ukraine conflict.
