Trump backs aid to Ukraine as a loan only, waiting for further steps from the EU

American politician Donald Trump has called for assistance to Ukraine but in the form of a loan rather than a grant. The presumptive Republican presidential candidate also hinted that he expects European countries to be more active in supporting Kyiv.

He expressed his opinion after a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson on April 12. The Republicans spoke at a joint press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private residence in Palm Beach, Florida, Voice of America reports.

Former US President proposed to allocate additional assistance to Ukrainians "in the form of a loan, not a gift"

Johnson, a Republican congressman from Louisiana, has not made any statements regarding assistance to Ukraine. However, according to the Voice of America, Trump's position is likely to influence many Republicans in the House of Representatives.

"We are considering it (aid to Kyiv - Ed.) now, they are talking about it, and we are thinking of doing it in the form of a loan, not just a gift. We continue to give away billions and billions of dollars in gifts, and we will consider it... But much more important for me is that Europe has to step up, they have to contribute money. They have to equalize (the level of support - Ed.). If they don't, I will be very upset because they will suffer much more consequences than we will," Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak quoted Trump as saying.

He did not rule out that Trump's supporters would try to amend the bill, which provides for assistance to foreign countries, or initiate a new document.

Earlier, the Financial Times wrote that Washington could provide Kyiv with funds for defense and economic support on credit secured by the proceeds of frozen assets of the Russian Federation.

Earlier, CNN warned that Trump could use Washington's aid as leverage and force Ukraine and Russia to negotiate if he wins the US presidential election (scheduled for November 5, 2024).

Earlier, Trump's former adviser Fiona Hill said in her book that the politician could not understand that Ukraine is an independent state. He allegedly believed that Ukraine should be part of the Russian Federation.

Earlier, Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan said that Trump was not and is not competent in dealing with national security issues.

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