EU says US has made no formal request for repayment of aid to Ukraine
The European Commission says it has received no official request from Washington to compensate for aid given to Ukraine under President Biden, despite President Trump's recent remarks. The Commission stressed the EU and its member states remain Ukraine's largest donors, having provided over €220 billion.
A European Commission spokesperson said Brussels has so far received no formal letter or request from the United States asking Europe to reimburse costs linked to assistance provided to Ukraine during the presidency of Joe Biden.
The deputy chief spokesperson said he was aware only of a social media post published by US President Donald Trump, but that no official notification had been sent to the Commission. He added that the Commission does not, as a rule, comment on social media comments.
EU highlights its own contribution
Another Commission spokesperson pointed out that the European Union and its member states remain Ukraine's leading donors overall. Total support provided so far exceeds €220 billion, including roughly €87 billion dedicated to strengthening Ukraine's military and defence capabilities.
Background
The statement follows remarks made by Trump on 3 September, in which he said he would demand that Europe pay for the assistance the United States gave Ukraine under the previous, Biden, administration. Separately, it was reported that US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had confirmed a possible trip to Ukraine, though they may first travel to Moscow around 5–6 September before heading to Kyiv. On 25 August, it also emerged that CIA Director John Ratcliffe had already visited Moscow.
