President Donald Trump threatens to cut Ukraine aid aim to halt weapons shipments. He is applying direct pressure on European allies to join a US-led coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump threatens Ukraine aid, demands NATO deploy naval forces
Trump wants to restore shipping through the vital waterway after Iran effectively shut it down in late February. This follows a joint US and Israeli strike on Iranian targets.
Trump reportedly threatened to cut Ukraine aid if Europe doesn’t join the Hormuz security coalition, with pressure via PURL and NATO SG Rutte pushing for urgent EU commitment. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/qFw8wGKRGT
— OSINT FrontLine | Global 🌐 (@OSINT_Front) April 1, 2026
The US President has called on NATO naval forces to deploy to the strait, which carries approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. European nations initially rejected the proposal, arguing that such an operation remains unfeasible amid active hostilities.
“This conflict does not fall under our responsibility,” European nations said.
Trump threatened to withdraw from NATO’s weapons procurement programme for Ukraine, known as the PURL initiative. The alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte appealed to key partners to take urgent action.
France, Germany, and the UK pledge Strait security
In response, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom announced on March 19 that they stand ready to help secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since planned to convene talks among the 35 signatory countries. This is to form a coalition that would operate in the Strait after hostilities end.
Meanwhile, Trump said he intends to consider a full withdrawal of the United States from NATO.
In a recent development, European Union leaders have announced that the EU-Ukraine aid will provide technical and financial assistance to restore oil flow through a section of the Druzhba pipeline running through its territory.