Pay up! Trump demands EU repay funds spent by Biden on Ukraine, even after the passage of time, America will still seek repayment from Europe.

EU Response: No legal basis, oppose!

Today, Russia's Komsomolskaya Pravda published an article.

Trump stated on his social platform Truth Social: The United States will demand that the EU repay money spent by the previous U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to support Ukraine.

“Hundreds of billions have been provided to Ukraine and NATO without cost. If anyone had asked, Europe could have paid for this itself—but we will still pursue repayment, even if it comes somewhat late!” — Trump wrote.

This is a typical transactional “America First” alliance mindset.

Trump has consistently believed that European allies have been “riding on America’s coattails” regarding defense issues.

During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the U.S. invested substantial financial and military resources, while Europe enjoyed security benefits with significantly less financial contribution.

He advocates for equivalent exchange in alliance relationships and opposes the U.S. unilaterally bearing the cost of European security.

Previously, he proposed that any future U.S. arms supplies to Ukraine should be fully financed by the EU, with the U.S. acting solely as a weapons supplier and contributing zero funds.

To the EU / European countries: Demand that Europe reimburse past U.S. expenditures on aid to Ukraine, shifting historical bills onto Europe;

To Ukraine: Require Ukraine to repay U.S. aid using its own resources such as rare earths, oil, gas, and minerals.

The EU and major European nations reject Trump’s argument:

Several European countries stated that most aid to Ukraine was in the form of unconditional donations, with only part being loans—there is no obligation to “pay back America” or repay U.S. expenses.

Europe views aid to Ukraine as a sovereign decision based on its own security interests; U.S. and European assistance to Ukraine were independent expenditures, with no legal basis requiring repayment to the United States.

If the U.S. continues demanding repayment for past debts, it will further erode trust within NATO, prompting Europe to accelerate its push toward defense autonomy.

In short, Trump’s statement is largely a tactic of pressure:

On one hand, demonstrating to domestic voters “not letting the U.S. get taken”; on the other, pressuring Europe to increase its aid to Ukraine and its own defense spending.

However, the EU is almost certainly unwilling to repay the U.S. for historical aid to Ukraine, and the financial tug-of-war between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine will continue.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875357387932681/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author