Europe's struggle to replace American arms in Ukraine war
Oleg Katkov, a military expert and editor-in-chief of the Defence Express portal, noted on NV radio that around 30% of the weapons used by the Ukrainian army are supplied by the USA. Europe would be unable to fill the gaps that would emerge if the war were prolonged and aid from across the ocean ceased, even if it wished to do so.
Donald Trump's campaign promises about swiftly ending the war in Ukraine have not been realized. However, the President of the United States has initiated negotiations with Putin and consistently argues that Europe should contribute significantly more to supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO.
American weapons crucial for Ukraine
Oleg Katkow referenced recent comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who emphasized that about 30% of the weapons in the Ukrainian army are American. For Europe to fully replace the aid flowing to Ukraine from the United States, it would need to increase spending by two to three times.
"As President Zelenskyy pointed out, over 30% of the weaponry used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces is American. We need Patriot missiles, F-16 munitions, NASAMS interceptors, HIMARS precision rockets, and 155mm artillery shells—all of which come from the US," explained the Ukrainian expert.
Europe will not want to substitute the USA
It's hard to imagine Europe replacing the USA in aiding Ukraine, given the current financial challenges many European countries face in defense spending and providing aid to Ukraine. Even if funds were available to meet Ukraine's needs without the United States, another issue arises.
"One scenario assumes that European countries will buy weapons from the United States and pass them on to Ukraine. At least, such ideas are discussed in the White House. However, it's important to understand whether Europeans will agree to that. After all, they would be investing in the American defense industry instead of developing their own," stated Oleg Katkov.
Regarding GDP, the Baltic states provide significant support to Ukraine, but in terms of total equipment provided, the USA clearly leads.
As for American-produced equipment, the front lines have received, among other things, 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks, over 300 M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, several hundred M113 armored personnel carriers and MRAP vehicles, as well as large quantities of M777 howitzers, Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-tank systems, and Switchblade 300 kamikaze drones. The USA is also one of the largest donors of vehicles, soldier equipment, and various types of ammunition, including 155 mm artillery shells.
The Patriot systems mentioned by the Ukrainian expert are reaching Ukraine thanks to the efforts of not only the USA but also several European countries. American F-16 fighters provided to Ukraine also come from the resources of several European armies.
