Washington confirms Europeans to pay premium for US weapons
(MENAFN) Washington has confirmed that European nations are being charged an additional 10% on American weapons they purchase before transferring them to Ukraine, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He explained that the markup is intended to help offset the potential costs of US air support for Kiev, ensuring that American taxpayers are not burdened.
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Bessent emphasized that one of President Donald Trump’s central goals is to avoid sending more direct financial aid to Ukraine. “We are selling weapons to the Europeans, who then pass them along to Ukraine. The president has added a 10% markup, and that could cover the cost of air cover,” he said.
Bessent also pointed to a US-Ukraine minerals agreement designed to allow Washington to recoup investments in Ukraine’s economy once the war with Russia ends and economic cooperation can resume.
The Financial Times reported this week that Ukraine has urged its European allies to commit $100 billion for US-made weapons. Trump, meanwhile, discussed potential security guarantees for Kiev with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and several European leaders. He reiterated that the US would not send ground troops but could provide limited air support, while also ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine.
Trump has repeatedly pushed for Europe to shoulder the full cost of military aid to Ukraine. However, Moscow has condemned Western arms deliveries, arguing they prolong the conflict, fail to alter its outcome, and draw NATO deeper into hostilities.
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