U.S. Plans to Scale Back Security Aid to European States Bordering Russia – FT

The United States is preparing to cut security assistance programs for European countries along Russia’s border, shifting more of the financial responsibility for regional defense onto its allies.

The Gaze reports this, referring to The Financial Times.

President Donald Trump’s administration intends to phase out funding under Section 333 – a Pentagon authority that allows the U.S. to provide training and military support to partner nations. 

While financing under this program has been approved by Congress through September 2026, Trump’s team does not plan to request further funding beyond that date, FT sources said.

U.S. Senate officials told the outlet that the move could reduce “hundreds of millions of dollars” currently directed to frontline states.

In addition, Pentagon representatives briefed ambassadors from several European nations during a closed-door meeting in Washington, catching many governments off guard. 

“According to two diplomats who were informed about the discussion, European governments were surprised by this statement and are trying to obtain additional information from Washington,” the Financial Times article says.

Diplomats said capitals are now scrambling to understand the full implications and whether European budgets can cover the shortfall.

A White House official defended the decision, saying it was consistent with Trump’s broader push to “review and reallocate” U.S. foreign aid. 

“This action was coordinated with European countries in line with the president’s longstanding emphasis on Europe taking greater responsibility for its own defense,” he said.

As The Gaze reported earlier, the European Commission plans to allocate additional funding to EU countries on the eastern border with Russia and Belarus to strengthen defense and counter constant geopolitical, military, and hybrid threats.