StUS President Donald Trump has reignited debate over Western support for Ukraine, saying he intends to ask European countries to reimburse the United States for money spent on aid to Kyiv during the administration of former president Joe Biden.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the United States had provided "hundreds of billions of dollars" to Ukraine and NATO without Europe assuming what he described as its fair share of the burden.
"Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and NATO, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for," Trump wrote, adding that Washington "will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly!"
Trump did not specify which countries would be asked to return funds, nor whether the administration intends to make a formal request.
The comments were made in a post concerning US weapons stockpiles, with Trump dismissing reports linking potential shortages to recent developments in the conflict with Iran.
New diplomatic mission
At the same time, the United States is seeking to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
According to Russian state news agency TASS, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who are leading the administration's peace initiative, are expected to visit Russia this weekend.
Discussions are also continuing over a possible visit to Ukraine, with 6 September being mentioned as a potential date. If confirmed, it would mark the first visit by the two US negotiators to Kyiv.
A source familiar with the talks reportedly said the Russian side is opposed to such a visit and has been attempting to persuade the envoys to alter their plans.
Kushner and Witkoff last travelled to Moscow in January, when they held four-hour talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
Gaps remain wide
Despite renewed diplomatic activity, significant differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv.
Putin continues to insist that Ukraine cede additional territory to Russia, a condition the Ukrainian government has repeatedly rejected.
The most recent Russia-Ukraine talks involving US mediation took place in February, before developments in the Middle East diverted Washington's attention to other regions.
Nevertheless, the planned visits to Moscow and potentially Kyiv are being viewed as the most significant US diplomatic initiative in recent months aimed at restarting substantive negotiations between the two sides.
