Germany Presses U.S. on Plan to Replenish Weapons Sent to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Washington to spell out how the United States would replenish armaments that European nations transfer to Ukraine. Speaking after talks in London with the British prime minister, Merz said Europe needs “clarity” on the mechanism the U.S. could use to replace weapons shipped from European stockpiles to Kyiv. The request comes as Ukraine’s forces continue to rely heavily on Western‐supplied artillery, air-defense systems and armored vehicles. Several NATO members have warned that their own inventories are running low, heightening pressure on allies—particularly the U.S.—to provide backfill equipment or financing to sustain Europe’s deterrence posture while aiding Ukraine. Merz’s comments add to trans-Atlantic discussions over coordinating defense production and procurement. Neither Berlin nor Washington immediately detailed any concrete replacement framework, but German officials said talks would continue among NATO partners ahead of the alliance’s next ministerial meeting.