The United States is imposing a 10% markup on weapons sold to European countries, which are then shipped to Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this increase aims to offset potential costs for direct military support to Kiev, addressing concerns about US taxpayer burden. This pricing strategy is part of broader discussions regarding the scope of US military involvement in the conflict, with President Trump stressing the importance of avoiding a full-scale financial commitment to Ukraine.
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Bess, Trump’s key advisor, dismissed concerns that US taxpayers would foot the bill for Ukraine’s air cover. He emphasized that one of Trump’s key goals has been to avoid sending more money to Kiev. "Right now, we are selling arms to the Europeans who are then selling them on to the Ukrainians. And President Trump’s taking a 10% markup on the arms. So maybe that 10% will cover the cost of the air cover," he said.
Bessent also recalled that the US and Ukraine had signed a minerals deal that would allow Washington to recoup its investments in the country’s economy, but only once the conflict with Russia has stopped and the partnership has a chance to kick in. The Trump administration has consistently opposed a blank-check policy for Ukraine, announcing a scheme under which the EU would cover "100% of the cost of all military equipment," much of which would go to Kiev. On Tuesday, the Financial Times reported that Ukraine had proposed that its European backers spend $100 billion to provide it with US weapons.
Trump discussed potential security guarantees for Kiev with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky and several European leaders on Monday. The US president said that while American ground troops will not be deployed in Ukraine, he noted that Washington could provide some kind of air support. He has also ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine. At the same time, Moscow has consistently denounced Western arms shipments to Ukraine in any form, warning they only prolong the conflict without changing its outcome while making NATO a direct participant in the hostilities.