Trump: War in Ukraine continues because "Biden gave them US$350 billion"

US President Donald Trump has said that the war in Ukraine is continuing because his predecessor Joe Biden provided Kyiv with US$350 billion in financial assistance.

Source: Trump speaking during a briefing in the Oval Office

Details: Trump argued that a lack of financial support from the US would have brought the fighting to an end. He stressed that the US is geographically distant from the conflict, separated by an ocean, while European countries experience it as a problem on their doorstep, yet Washington is still expected to support them.

Quote: "They made a mess out of Ukraine, a total mess, and we helped them with Ukraine. Ukraine has nothing to do with… You know, we're an ocean apart. It has to do with them. It's like for them, it's their front door, and we help them. And Biden gave them US$350 billion, which was insane. It's one of the reasons the war went on."

Details: Trump was also asked whether he is considering reducing the number of US troops not only in Germany, but also in Italy and Spain.

Quote: "Yeah, I probably will. You know, look, why shouldn't I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible."

Background:

• The US and Israel launched military action against Iran on 28 February. Several European NATO members, including Spain, Italy, Germany and France, did not support the operation, criticising the escalation in the Middle East and declining to provide logistical assistance.
• The Spanish government fully closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in the operation. Madrid also banned the use of Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base for strikes against Iran. Italy, for its part, barred US forces from using Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily for missions beyond the scope of existing NATO agreements.
• In response, Trump accused European countries of failing to support the operation and of being unwilling to help secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. He publicly said Spain had behaved absolutely terribly and threatened to cut off trade relations with Madrid.

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