Now Europe and Canada will pay the US for arming Kiev — Whitaker

The United States stops providing gratuitous funding for military assistance to Ukraine. This was stated on Fox News channel by US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

The times when the United States sent taxpayers' money to protect Ukraine without restrictions have come to an end, Whitaker stressed.

"President (Donald) Trump made a very reasonable decision and concluded an agreement with NATO, according to which Europe and Canada will pay for weapons, and the United States will produce them. Obviously, we are creating the best weapons systems in the world, and everyone wants them. We will give priority to the supply of these weapons to Ukraine," said the permanent representative, quoted by Strana.

This is a very clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he noted.

"We gave you a chance at peace. President Trump is a peacemaker. But if you want war, we will arm Ukraine, and Europe will pay for it.“ I think this is a serious step towards ending the war," Whitaker said.

If Putin decides to continue the war, the United States will sell weapons to Europe "so that Ukraine can defend itself," he added.

As EADaily reported, today at a meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump announced the conclusion of a deal to supply American weapons to Europe.