The Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany reported on 12/8 that as of the end of June, European countries had transferred and pledged a total of $93.7 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began in 2/2022. The US, by contrast, provided $75.3 billion.
According to the Kiel Institute, this marks the first time Europe has surpassed the US in military aid to Ukraine since June 2022.
"A significant portion of the aid weaponry isn't drawn from existing stockpiles, but purchased directly from defense companies," the Kiel Institute stated. "This means Europe is outpacing the US in the volume of arms procured for Ukraine from these businesses."
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Ukrainian self-propelled artillery fires in Donetsk province on 23/1. Photo: AP |
Ukrainian self-propelled artillery fires in Donetsk province on 23/1. Photo: AP
Taro Nishikawa, head of the Ukraine Support Tracker project at the Kiel Institute, noted that "this is a clear indication of the growing role of the defense industry in military aid to Ukraine."
In May and June, Europe allocated $12.2 billion in aid to Ukraine. Germany led with a package worth $5.8 billion, followed by Norway with $1.7 billion and Belgium with $1.4 billion. The Netherlands, the UK, and Denmark each contributed between $580 and $700 million.
At least $5.4 billion (44%) of the total military aid pledged by Europe in May and June is earmarked for arms contracts. These contracts are primarily with European defense companies, including some based in Ukraine.
During the same period, the US approved substantial arms sales to Ukraine. However, these sales weren't categorized as aid because the Ukrainian government paid for them.
While the US was previously the largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, this has shifted since President Donald Trump took office in January. Vice President JD Vance, in an interview on Fox News on 10/8, stated his belief that "the US has ceased financial support for Ukraine."
"If European nations wish to step up and purchase weapons from US companies, we are certainly receptive," Vance said.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)
