U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he may cease arms shipments to Ukraine if European allies do not join a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global oil transport.
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil typically passes. The Trump administration subsequently called on NATO naval forces to assist in restoring safe passage, but European capitals declined, citing the conflict as “not our war.” In response, Trump threatened to halt arms supplies to Ukraine via the Priority Ukraine List (PURL), a NATO program funded by European nations. According to three officials familiar with the discussions, this ultimatum prompted a shift in the stance of European allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte played a pivotal role in addressing the ensuing crisis. Sources indicated that Rutte engaged in multiple phone conversations with Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while also urging France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to take proactive measures. Rutte insisted on a joint statement, as Trump had threatened to withdraw from PURL and potentially cease support for Ukraine altogether.
On March 19, a coalition of countries, including key NATO members, issued an urgent joint statement expressing their “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” The statement was prepared hastily, resulting in additional states joining after its release.
The White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, confirmed that Trump had expressed frustration with NATO and other allies. Trump remarked during a recent government meeting, “We are there to defend NATO, to protect them from Russia. But they are not there to protect us. It’s ridiculous.” On Wednesday, Trump informed Reuters that he plans to address the nation regarding the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO.
Currently, U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine through PURL remain unaffected. Rubio stated on Friday that “nothing has been redirected so far.” However, he did not dismiss the potential for the U.S. to reallocate weapons intended for Ukraine to replenish its own stockpiles depleted in the conflict with Iran, emphasizing, “If we need something for America, and it’s American, we will keep it for America first.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a “positive” conversation with Trump administration representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions also involved Senator Lindsey Graham and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is preparing an updated security guarantees document aimed at ensuring robust protection against further aggression from Russia and facilitating post-war reconstruction.
However, the prospects for diplomatic resolution remain uncertain. According to Bloomberg, the war in Ukraine may extend for another one to two years due to a lack of breakthroughs on the battlefield and in negotiations. The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have diverted Trump’s attention, while talks between Kyiv and Moscow have reached an impasse.
The situation is further complicated by Washington’s stance on NATO. Trump has stated that he is seriously considering a U.S. exit from the alliance, labeling it a “paper tiger.” Although formally withdrawing from membership is complex, the administration could undermine NATO’s operations, increasing uncertainty for European allies and, specifically, for Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of halting arms supplies to Ukraine unless European allies support reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This threat has prompted NATO discussions and a joint statement from key member nations, reflecting rising tensions within the alliance and its implications for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.