America's arms lifeline: Europe's limits in supporting Ukraine
Oleg Katkov, a military expert and editor-in-chief of the Defence Express portal, noted on NV radio that about 30% of the weapons utilised by the Ukrainian army are from the USA. Europe, even if it wished to, would not be able to fill the gaps that would emerge if the war were prolonged and aid from across the ocean ceased.
Donald Trump's campaign promises about a swift end to the war in Ukraine have not come to fruition. However, the President of the United States has initiated negotiations with Putin and consistently asserts that Europe should contribute significantly more to addressing its shortcomings in terms of supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO.
Americans weapons crucial for Ukraine
Oleg Katkov referred to recent remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated that when examining the weapons in the Ukrainian army's arsenal, one should notice that 30% are American. For Europe to fully replace the aid flowing to Ukraine from the United States, it would need to increase spending by approximately two to three times.
– As President Zelenskyy pointed out, over 30% of the weaponry used by Ukraine’s Defence 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 difficult to envision such a scenario (Europe replacing the USA in aiding Ukraine) considering the current challenges many European countries face in financing defence spending and assisting Ukraine. Even if funds were found to cover Ukrainian needs without the United States, another issue arises.
– One scenario assumes that European countries will purchase weapons from the United States and then pass them on to Ukraine. At least, such ideas have been heard in the White House. However, it's essential to understand whether Europeans will consent to this. After all, they would then be investing in the American defence industry instead of developing their own," stated Oleg Katkov.
Regarding GDP, the Baltic states assist Ukraine the most, but in terms of the total amount of equipment provided, the USA clearly leads.
As for equipment produced in the USA, the front lines received, among other things, 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks, over 300 M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, several hundred M113 armoured 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 suppliers 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.
