EU nations offer greater military assistance to Ukraine compared to the US
Europe has surpassed the United States in providing military aid to Ukraine through industrial contracts, according to data from the Ukraine Support Tracker at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW).
From the Russian full-scale invasion in 2022 until mid-2025, European countries have contracted at least €35.1 billion ($41.1 billion) for weapons production for Ukraine. This is €4.4 billion more than the total value of goods acquired by the US during the same period [1].
In May and June 2025 alone, European governments allocated an additional €10.5 billion ($12.3 billion) in new aid, with at least €4.6 billion ($5.4 billion) coming as industrial contracts with defense manufacturers rather than supplies from stockpiles [1].
The EU member states collectively have provided over $65 billion in military support for Ukraine, with notable contributions from non-EU countries like Norway. Germany is the largest European donor, committing €5 billion in just two months in 2025, while Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, and Denmark also made significant contributions [1].
Although the US still stands out as an individual country contributor, European countries combined have contributed more overall, especially when measured relative to their economies [2]. This shift marks the first time Europe has overtaken the US in contracting weapons for Ukraine since the war began, reflecting growing European defense support through newly manufactured military supplies.
The specific types of military equipment acquired by either European countries or the US are not detailed in the current data. However, it is clear that the shift in military aid from donations from stockpiles to industrial production by European countries is significant. Of the €10.5 billion in European military aid allocated in May and June, at least €4.6 billion is expected to flow into contracts with arms companies. The share of European military aid allocated to arms companies in May and June is 43.8 percent [1].
The data does not indicate a shift in the US's reliance on stockpiles for military aid to Ukraine. The total value of military equipment acquired by the US through industrial contracts is not specified in the current data.
This trend emphasizes the need for a strong and reliable arms industry in Europe to ensure timely and effective delivery of the promised aid.
[1] Ukraine Support Tracker, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) [2] The Economist, "Europe's military aid to Ukraine is growing fast" (2025)
- The EU's employment policy, as demonstrated by the rapid growth of their defense industry, has played a significant role in the increase of military aid to Ukraine, surpassing the employment policy of the United States in the same field.
- The community policy of European nations, coupled with their political decision to increase militarization, has led to a significant surge in war-and-conflicts-related general news, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
