Trump threatens Europe: If it does not participate in joint escort, it will stop arms aid to Ukraine

# Zhao Ying

Source: Wallstreetcn

Last month, Trump used the threat of cutting off weapons aid to Ukraine as leverage to force European allies to join the **Hormuz Strait escort operations**—a diplomatic gambit spanning two fronts that laid bare deep rifts in allied relations. Only urgent shuttle diplomacy by NATO Secretary-General **Mark Rutte** managed to broker a joint statement by France, Germany, and the UK on March 19 to defuse the crisis. Yet weapons supplies remain in limbo, and Trump has gone further by threatening to **withdraw from NATO**, leaving the transatlantic alliance facing an unprecedented crisis of confidence.

### Trump Leverages Ukraine Aid to Pressure Europe on Hormuz

Trump threatened to halt weapons deliveries to Ukraine via a NATO procurement mechanism in order to pressure European allies into joining U.S.-led efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

According to media reports on Thursday, sources revealed that after multiple European nations refused to participate in the U.S.-led Hormuz escort operations in mid-March, Trump immediately threatened to **cut off supplies to PURL**, NATO's weapons procurement mechanism for Ukraine, and vowed to **pull all U.S. support for Kyiv**.

NATO Secretary-General **Mark Rutte** immediately launched intense diplomatic efforts, making multiple calls to Trump and U.S. Secretary of State **Marco Rubio** in the two days prior to the statement's release.

At Rutte's strong urging, **France, Germany, and the UK issued a joint statement on March 19** expressing their "readiness to contribute to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz," with more nations subsequently joining. UK Prime Minister **Keir Starmer** announced this week that he would host talks with 35 signatory nations to form the escort coalition, but emphasized that operations would begin **"only after fighting has ceased."**

### Behind the Threat: Europe Rejects "This Is Not Our War"

The Strait of Hormuz crisis erupted in late February following U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. Iran then effectively blockaded the strait, cutting off a waterway through which roughly **one-fifth of the world's oil** passes.

Last month, Trump demanded NATO member navies assist in reopening this critical waterway, but was rebuffed by multiple European countries. Several European capitals stated that participating in escort operations **"was not feasible"** while the conflict raged on, with some nations bluntly declaring it **"not our war."**

Three officials familiar with the discussions said Trump reacted furiously, threatening to halt supplies to the PURL mechanism. One senior official said Rutte explained in calls with France, Germany, and the UK that Trump had been **"quite hysterical"** over Europe's refusal to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

### Emergency Statement: NATO Chief Mediates Joint Pledge

The March 19 joint statement was hastily cobbled together at the last minute. "It was Rutte who insisted on the joint statement because Trump was threatening to pull out of PURL and end all support for Ukraine," one official revealed. "The statement was drafted quickly, and other nations joined afterward—there wasn't time to invite everyone to sign initially."

NATO officials said the alliance would not comment on the contents of Rutte's calls with other leaders, referring the media to his public statement issued March 19. "I am confident allies will, as always, do everything necessary to protect our shared interests," Rutte said in the statement.

White House Deputy Press Secretary **Anna Kelly** stated: "President Trump has made clear his disappointment with NATO and other allies. As the president emphasized, **'America will remember this.'**"

For now, weapons deliveries to Ukraine have **not been interrupted**. Rubio said last Friday that U.S. military supplies to Ukraine through the PURL mechanism **"have not been affected by the Middle East war to date"** and **"no materials have been diverted."** However, Rubio did not rule out future adjustments.

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