NEW YORK: The United States continues to provide weapons and military equipment to Ukraine through European countries, with European partners paying Washington for the supplies, U.S. President Donald Trump has said.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump explained that American military assistance to Kyiv is continuing under a different financial arrangement, in which European countries purchase U.S.-made weapons and subsequently facilitate their delivery to Ukraine.

He emphasized that Washington is receiving payment for the equipment rather than providing it entirely free of charge.

European Countries Pay for American Military Supplies

Trump said the United States continues supplying military equipment intended for Ukraine, but European partners are responsible for covering the costs.

According to his remarks, the arrangement allows Ukraine to receive American-made weapons while ensuring that European countries bear the financial burden.

The approach reflects Trump’s preference for making international partners contribute more directly toward the costs of supporting Ukraine.

Trump Criticizes Biden-Era Military Assistance

During the interview, Trump also compared the current arrangement with the military assistance provided by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

He claimed that the previous administration transferred approximately 350 billion dollars’ worth of weapons and equipment to Kyiv without receiving payment.

Trump argued that European countries could have purchased those supplies but were not asked to do so under the previous approach.

His comments reinforced his longstanding criticism of how American financial and military resources were used during the Biden administration.

Russia Opposes Continued Western Military Assistance

Moscow has repeatedly criticized Western countries for supplying weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.

Russian officials argue that continued deliveries, along with military training and other forms of assistance, prolong the conflict rather than create conditions for a peaceful settlement.

Russia has also maintained that additional Western military support cannot fundamentally change the situation on the battlefield.

A Changing Approach to Ukraine Assistance

The latest remarks highlight a shift in the financial structure of American military support for Ukraine, with European countries playing a greater role in purchasing U.S. defense equipment.

The arrangement also reflects broader discussions within NATO and its partner countries about burden-sharing, defense spending and long-term security commitments.

As the conflict continues, the future of Western military assistance will remain an important factor influencing relations between Washington, European capitals, Kyiv and Moscow.