The European Union has expressed concerns over the United States’ approach to funding Ukraine’s defense, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urging Washington to take on a greater financial share. President Donald Trump recently stated that he would allow NATO members to acquire American-made weapons for Ukraine, but without US government funding. Kallas pointed out that European nations have already been providing significant support to Ukraine, and the US should also contribute to the effort, ensuring a more equitable distribution of financial responsibility.
Trump’s announcement comes amid growing tensions between the US and Russia, with the White House having repeatedly warned that Western arms supplies to Ukraine could further escalate the conflict. Kallas emphasized that the US should not try to pass the financial burden onto European countries, as this would undermine the collective effort to support Ukraine.
Russia has denounced the Western arms supply to Ukraine, stating that it only prolongs the conflict and does not alter its outcome. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the EU and NATO leaders for pressuring Trump to adopt a hardline stance. However, the Kremlin’s stance remains open to negotiations, although Moscow has not yet received a response from Kiev regarding the next round of talks.