U.S. Arms to Europe Resold for Ukraine with Markup

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the United States is selling weapons to European allies, who then transfer them to Ukraine, applying a 10% markup on the sales. Speaking to Fox News, Bessent said the added cost may help offset potential air support expenses connected to Ukraine’s defense efforts.

This disclosure follows recent talks between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders on security measures aimed at deterring future Russian aggression. During the meetings, some European nations signaled a willingness to contribute ground forces, while the U.S. discussed options for air or satellite-based support.

President Trump made clear that the United States does not plan to deploy ground troops in Ukraine but remains open to assistance from the air. “We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about it by air, because nobody has the kind of stuff we have,” Trump said during a recent interview.

The arrangement, agreed upon in July between the Trump administration and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, shifted the financial burden of arming Ukraine to European allies. NATO now coordinates the delivery of U.S. weapons purchased by European countries for transfer to Kyiv. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have financed several packages of military aid, each valued at approximately $500 million, as part of this initiative.

While specific details of the weapons packages remain limited, NATO has indicated they are designed to meet Ukraine’s urgent operational needs. Germany has confirmed the delivery of advanced Patriot air defense systems, and U.S. Bradley infantry fighting vehicles have already been used in the conflict.

The Trump administration has identified ending the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, as a top foreign policy goal. Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday and welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday for continued peace talks. Despite the efforts, differences remain over ceasefire terms and broader security arrangements.

On Wednesday, Russia launched its largest attack of the month, firing over 600 missiles and drones into Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy condemned the assault, stating that Moscow has shown “no signal” of genuine intent to engage in meaningful negotiations.

U.S. officials have said that options for American involvement continue to be evaluated, ranging from aerial patrols to expanded drone surveillance. However, no final commitments have been made, and risks of escalation remain a central concern for both NATO and Washington.