The Trump administration officials are dissatisfied with European countries' ongoing support for Ukraine, underscoring the growing rift between Washington and Europe, the Economist reported on April 15, citing undisclosed diplomatic sources.
The statement follows remarks by chancellor-in-waiting and CDU head Friedrich Merz, who on April 13 reiterated his position that Germany could supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine in coordination with partners.
The U.S. still holds an edge in terms of military aid — its 65 billion euros ($74 billion) lead Europe by 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) — but the gap is shrinking as Washington has not allocated a new aid package since Jan. 9, still under the Biden administration.
According to a copy of the bill seen by the news agency, the legislation lays out significant financial and diplomatic measures to counter Russia’s aggression.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov's statement comes as Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, suggested on April 13 that long-range Taurus missiles could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure.
Key developments on April 11: * US envoy Witkoff proposes giving Russia 'ownership' of Ukrainian regions, Reuters reports * Trump urges Russia "to get moving" to end war against Ukraine * Putin meets U.S. envoy Witkoff to discuss Ukraine, Kremlin says * "Several hundred" Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky says * Allies pledge
"The coalition is designed not only to meet the current needs of the Ukrainian army in electronic warfare, but also to lay the foundation for the long-term development of these capabilities," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
The meeting of the Ramstein-format coalition in Brussels comes amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine and efforts by European allies to close the gap as Kyiv resists Russia's ongoing invasion.
The Netherlands is allocating 150 million euros ($170 million) to boost Ukraine's air defenses, while Lithuania intends to allocate 20 million euros ($23 million) for ammunition purchases, the two countries' defense ministers said on April 11.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the country plans to acquire more IRIS-T systems in the coming years and confirmed the upcoming delivery of 1,100 additional ground surveillance radars.
While some German systems have earned praise in Ukraine, others have proven ill-suited for the rigors of high-intensity war, Spiegel reports.
The U.K. and Norway are set to provide a 450 million pound ($585 million) military aid package to Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on April 10.
Key developments on April 9: * Over 160 Chinese nationals fight for Russia in Ukraine, obtained documents show * Russia's spring offensive has "effectively already begun," Syrskyi says * Ukraine open to buy US military aid package for $50 billion, Zelensky says * Russian military airfield reportedly targeted in mass drone attack At least
"We handed over to the American side a large package that we want to buy. To buy in one form or another," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
New Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine could be the strongest sign of U.S. support, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 8, just days after Russia's deadly missile attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih.
The funds will be used to purchase arms and strengthen Ukraine's defense sector, including the production of new types of weapons.
"The important work of facilitating military aid to Ukraine via Jasionka will continue under Polish and NATO leadership, supported by a streamlined U.S. military footprint," the statement reads.
"We are now strengthening our cooperation with the EU to provide Ukraine with, among other things, more artillery ammunition. Europe must assume greater responsibility for supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Key developments on April 4: * US to know whether Russia 'serious about peace' with Ukraine in coming weeks, Rubio says * US, Russia make 'significant progress' towards Ukraine ceasefire deal, Kremlin negotiator claims * Trump's team advises against calling Putin until Russia agrees to Ukraine ceasefire, NBC reports * More F-16 jets being
"We are tripling our military support," Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg said, adding that the funds would be spent abroad to avoid putting pressure on Norway's economy.
"There are more F-16s prepared to be deployed in there. There are more pilots in the training pipelines," U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli said on April 3.
The initiative, backed by contributions from Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other European countries, has significantly boosted Ukraine's artillery capabilities, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said.
The Danish government approved the 25th package of military assistance to Ukraine, worth 6.7 billion Danish kroner ($970 million), which will support Ukraine from 2025 until 2027.
Kallas's statement comes after EU leaders decided at a summit in Brussels on March 20 to help cover Ukraine's ammunition needs through aid packages announced by individual countries over the past month.
Key developments on March 31: * There's 'psychological deadline' for Putin to agree to Ukraine ceasefire, Trump says * Kremlin says it remains open to US talks despite Trump's reported anger at Putin * Ukraine-US talks on minerals deal ongoing, not tied to NATO membership, source says * Russia trying to bypass Ukraine's positions
"The package includes, among other things, support for Ukraine’s air defense, artillery, satellite communications, and maritime capacity," Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson announced.
This support will include 500 million euros ($540 million) for Ukraine's Drone Line project, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.
Ukraine is working to finalize agreements with European nations for additional military aid shipments as well as expanded intelligence sharing ahead of the next Ramstein summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 28.
The package includes anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, Mirage fighter jet missiles, armored vehicles, ammunition, and other aid, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
"We are grateful to our partners for responding to this critical need. Prompt response and flexibility in making this decision are important, especially now when the Defense Forces need them most," said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Defense Minister for Digitalization.
The outgoing German government agreed to release an additional 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine, a German Finance Ministry spokesperson confirmed for the Kyiv Independent on March 19.
Trump also said it was "a great call" and that the U.S. hopes to expand trade with Russia, including deals on "very big forms of rare earth."
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