Trump Threatens Europe Over Strait of Hormuz, Using Ukraine Weapon Supply as Leverage, Reports FT

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the potential cessation of military aid to Ukraine, leveraging the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip. This revelation comes from the Financial Times (FT), citing sources familiar with internal discussions, and highlights the escalating tensions following the recent military engagement between the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

The backdrop of this threat is the ongoing conflict that has significantly intensified in the Middle East, particularly after Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route responsible for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. This closure has raised alarm bells globally, especially as fuel prices have surged in response to the geopolitical instability.

In an effort to rally support from NATO allies for the reopening of the Strait, Trump reached out to European nations, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action. However, European countries have shown limited interest in participating in the U.S. military efforts against Iran, prompting Trump to resort to threats regarding Ukraine.

According to three sources cited by FT, Trump has warned that he may halt the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a program through which NATO countries procure American weapons for Ukraine. This ultimatum underscores the precarious position of Ukraine, which relies heavily on U.S. military support amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

On March 19, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte released a joint statement with allies, including France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, affirming their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This statement was reportedly influenced by Trump's threats to withdraw from PURL and disengage from Ukraine altogether, according to an official who spoke with FT.

One official described Trump as being 'quite hysterical' over Europe's reluctance to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting the heightened tensions and frustrations within the U.S. administration.

Since then, Trump has escalated his anti-NATO rhetoric, indicating on April 1 that he is seriously considering withdrawing the U.S. from NATO altogether. 'Ukraine was not our problem. It was a test, and we were there for them, and we would always be there for them. They were not there for us,' Trump remarked in an interview with the Telegraph.

Trump is expected to elaborate on his stance regarding the U.S. role in NATO during a speech later this evening. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reiterated Trump's frustrations, stating, 'President Trump has clearly expressed his disappointment with NATO and other allies, and as the President emphasized, 'The United States will remember.'' This statement was made to several media outlets, including the Kyiv Independent, on April 1.

The ongoing U.S. war against Iran has raised concerns in Ukraine regarding the supply of American weapons, particularly critical interceptor missiles necessary for defending against mass drone attacks from Russia. Reports in March indicated that the Pentagon was considering redirecting military aid intended for Ukraine to the Middle East.

However, U.S. officials later assured Ukraine that none of the military assistance obligated to Kyiv had been redirected elsewhere, including to the Middle East. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga confirmed on March 29 that Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally provided assurances during a G7 foreign ministers' summit in France.

Rubio and Rutte reportedly held several calls in the days leading up to the publication of the joint statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

In a show of solidarity, Ukraine has also pledged to assist in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, with President Volodymyr Zelensky informing reporters on March 30 that Kyiv would provide weapons and defense technologies for this purpose as part of new defense agreements with Gulf states.

Signed by the U.S. and NATO in July, the PURL agreement establishes a mechanism for NATO member states and partners to procure high-priority equipment for Ukraine. To date, 24 countries, including non-NATO members Australia and New Zealand, have joined this initiative, reflecting the international commitment to support Ukraine amid its ongoing challenges.