Italy, France and Czechia opt out of US-NATO weapons plan for Ukraine

Italy and France have decided not to participate in a US-NATO initiative to fund American weapons for Ukraine using EU funds, citing budget constraints and a strategic focus on European defence autonomy. The Czech Republic has also declined participation, preferring alternative support methods like ammunition deliveries.

US President Donald Trump announced on 14 July a deal under which NATO allies would finance the supply of American weapons to Ukraine, with the US being fully reimbursed by its allies. He stated that missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot systems were already being shipped from Germany, with Berlin replacing its stockpiles and the US receiving full payment.

“We’re always getting our money back in full. So we’re not going to have any more investments to make,” Trump said.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada support the initiative.

Germany has emerged as a key supporter of the US-NATO plan. Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Trump that Berlin would play a “decisive role” in the deliveries, viewing US weapons as a quick solution due to Europe’s limited production capacity. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, meeting US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to European defense while acknowledging the US’s critical role.

Italy’s position

According to La Stampa, Italy’s decision stems from budget constraints, with sources in the Italian Ministry of Defence stating there has been “no talk” of purchasing American weapons for this purpose. They emphasized that this does not signal a withdrawal from supporting Ukraine. Italy’s only planned US defense purchases are F-35 fighter jets, and it has received just one NATO proposal related to logistics for the weapons plan. Italy has already provided Ukraine with several Samp-T air defense systems, which use different technology.

France’s stance

France’s refusal to participate in the initiative aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s push for European defense self-sufficiency. Macron has prioritised domestic arms production to strengthen Europe’s defense industry.

French officials noted that joining the NATO plan would involve tapping into alliance stockpiles and replacing them with US weapons, which conflicts with France’s strategic goals. Budgetary pressures to reduce national debt further complicate France’s ability to increase defense spending.

Czechia’s approach

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that Czechia will not participate in the US-led initiative, focusing instead on alternative support methods, such as its ammunition initiative.

“Czechia is focusing on other projects and ways of helping Ukraine, for example, through the ammunition initiative. Therefore, we are not currently considering joining this project,” Fiala said.

The Czech ammunition initiative will deliver up to 1.8 million artillery shells to Ukraine by the end of 2025, according to Czech President Petr Pavel on 4 May. This includes an additional 300,000 shells committed to Kyiv beyond what was announced earlier this year. Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová noted that the country supplied 1.5 million rounds of various calibers in 2024 and has sufficient funds to continue at the same pace until fall 2025.

EU’s long-term budget and Ukraine support

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled on 16 July the proposed EU’s long-term budget for 2028–2034, allocating €100 billion for Ukraine to support recovery, resilience, and its EU membership path. This builds on the existing €50 billion Ukraine Facility.

The budget, totaling nearly €2 trillion (1.26% of the EU’s average gross national income), prioritises defense spending and must be adopted by the European Parliament and Council by the end of 2027.

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“We are setting aside €100 billion for Ukraine,” von der Leyen said, emphasising the need to replenish the Ukraine Facility.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged the US to “share the burden” of military aid, highlighting tensions over funding responsibilities.

The decisions by Italy, France, and the Czech Republic reflect a broader debate within the EU about balancing support for Ukraine with fiscal and strategic priorities.

Other sources: La Stampa, Kyiv Independent, Politico. Edited by a.k.

Caption: US President Donald Trump (2-L) meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (L), Vice President JD Vance (2-R) and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 14 July 2025. EPA/YURI GRIPAS / POOL