Trump Imposes 10% Mark-Up on Weapons Sales to Europe for Ukraine

UPDATE: In a surprising move, Donald Trump has imposed a 10% mark-up on U.S. weapons sales to European nations, aimed at funding security guarantees for Ukraine. This announcement was made by Scott Bessent, Trump’s treasury secretary, during an interview on Fox News.

The 10% increase applies to military hardware sold to European countries, which are then supplying it to Ukraine as it continues its defense against Russia’s aggression. “We are selling arms to Europeans, who are then selling them on to the Ukrainians, and President Trump is taking a 10% mark-up on the arms,” Bessent stated. This levy could potentially fund U.S. air cover for European security efforts in the ongoing conflict.

Earlier this week, Trump expressed willingness to use U.S. air power to support a European security force in Ukraine, signaling a shift in U.S. involvement in the region. European nations have already committed to purchasing over $10 billion (€8.5 billion) in U.S.-made military equipment for Ukraine in recent weeks. Furthermore, Ukraine has proposed a staggering $90 billion in future military purchases once the war with Russia concludes.

Trump has maintained a firm stance against using taxpayer money for Ukraine, asserting that its defense should rest on European shoulders. The recent developments come amid accelerated planning for a multinational force to support Ukraine, following discussions with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, and other European leaders.

In his recent remarks on Fox & Friends, Trump criticized Ukraine for engaging in a conflict against a nation he described as “10 times” its size. “Russia is a powerful military nation. You know, whether people like it or not, it’s a powerful nation. It’s a much bigger nation,” Trump stated. His comments follow a meeting at the White House where strategies for addressing the conflict were discussed.

As tensions persist, the international community is closely monitoring this developing situation. The implications of Trump’s weapon pricing strategy and his commitment to European security could have significant ramifications for Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts.

What’s Next: Watch for updates on the multinational force discussions and further announcements regarding U.S. military support to Ukraine. As international leaders react to Trump’s latest decisions, the situation remains fluid and could evolve rapidly. Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story develops.