EU’s Michel tells Trump ‘get the facts straight’ on Ukraine funding
"Don’t be intimidated by Putin. We aren’t," Charles Michel said in message for Republican front-runner.
Moderator - Tomas Kauer 
European Council President Charles Michel snapped back at former United States President Donald Trump on Friday, telling him to “get the facts straight” after the Republican standard-bearer said Europe should do more to support Ukraine.
“Don’t be intimidated by Putin. We aren’t,” Michel told Trump on social media. “Let’s get the facts straight.”
Trump, a prominent NATO skeptic who could return to the White House after the presidential election in November, complained about Europe’s contributions to Kyiv Thursday night just as U.S. Congress edges closer to approving new military aid for Ukraine.
“Why isn’t Europe giving more money to help Ukraine? Why is it that the United States is over $100 Billion … into the Ukraine War more than Europe, and we have an Ocean between us as separation!” Trump wrote in post on social media.
Michel did not let the comment slide.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” he clapped back. “EU contribution to Ukraine: €143 billion ($150 billion).”
Ukraine is struggling to resist Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging the West to step up its support as Kyiv’s forces are running short of critical weapons and ammunition.
Trump has for years accused European NATO allies of relying on Washington to provide protection against hostile foreign powers, and has badgered them to spend more on defense.
The EU and its members have committed some €144 billion in military and financial aid to Ukraine, but have allocated for delivery only about €77 billion of that, according to Germany’s Kiel Institute, which compiles national contributions to Kyiv’s war effort. The U.S. has committed about €68 billion in total aid and has allocated for delivery about €66 billion, according to the Kiel data. However, the U.S. leads Europe slightly when it comes specifically to military aid.
The U.S. House is expected to move toward a vote this weekend on some $60 billion in aid for Ukraine that’s been held up for months by partisan debate in the Congress.
