Five anonymous sources told Reuters that top Trump administration officials were pressuring their European counterparts not to stop buying American-made arms, as the European Union plans to restrict such purchases.
This report is the latest after President Donald Trump blasted Europe in mid-March for not supporting “their fair share” of NATO. While Trump tries to reach a deal with Russian president Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war, which is ostensibly Moscow’s attempt to block NATO expansion, Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, will be in Brussels between Wednesday and Friday to warn the Europeans against stopping their purchases of American arms.
Rubio, a senior State Department official, said that he would urge EU countries to continue purchasing U.S. arms during his week-long visit to Brussels, where he’ll also be attending the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting.
They added, “It is a concern that the Secretary has raised and continues to raise.”
Newsweek quoted a State Department official as saying that, while Trump “welcomes Europe’s efforts” to boost defense, “transatlantic defence industrial cooperation makes the Alliance stronger.”
They continued by saying that “U.S. Defense companies” are an integral part of the transatlantic industrial base, global supply chains, and advanced technologies. They bring innovation, competitive pricing, and the speed and scale necessary to enhance Europe’s defence capabilities. Allies must work together to build our capabilities to maintain NATO standards and interoperability, which are the foundations of Alliance security.
The Washington Post reported Wednesday that Steve Witkoff – a close Trump ally – met Kirill Dmitriev. Both met in Washington amid the diplomatic snub between the superpowers and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump noted that last weekend he was “pissed” by Putin’s slow-walking of negotiations. The two diplomats met as Russia conscripts thousands for its war against Ukraine, and Britain and France are preparing to send troops there as well.
