This amount is almost twice the amount of aid of $206 billion that Europe has provided to Kiev since February 2022, the beginning of Russia's full-scale offensive..
During this time, the United States supported Ukraine with approximately $133 billion, including funds, weapons and military equipment.
The weekly's editors emphasize that in the case of other NATO members, excluding the USA, support for Ukraine may require an increase in spending from approximately 0.2 percent. GDP to 0.4 percent GDP.
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According to “The Economist” Europe's ability to meet this challenge will be a key test of its aspirations for greater independence in international politics, understood as acting in accordance with its own interests, without dependence on America or China.
Currently, Ukraine has an annual defense budget of approximately $65 billion, and an additional $73 billion. earmarked for other government expenses. According to data from the investment company Dragon Capital, the country generates approximately USD 90 billion. domestic revenues, leading to a budget deficit of approximately USD 50 billion. annually.
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According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense the value of the transferred weapons, including American missiles and European air defense systems, is approximately USD 40 billion this year. The weekly notes that these funds allow Ukraine to maintain its position on the front, although to a limited extent. Defense spending is increasing by about 20 percent. annually, which is two-thirds of Russia's rising war costs. A senior Ukrainian official, quoted by The Economist, suggests that actual Russian military spending may be more than twice the officially declared budget.
Analyzing Ukraine's needs for the next four years, the weekly assumes that total defense spending, including external assistance, will increase by 5%. per year (in US dollars), assuming the stability of other government spending. IN As a result, Ukraine's total needs during this period will amount to USD 389 billion, of which the European Union and its members would have to provide USD 328 billion, and Great Britain approximately USD 61 billion, if Europe were to take on the full financing..
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As “The Economist” emphasizes, financial support should continue even after the end of the war. Ukraine will need to replenish its ammunition supplies and maintain a standing army to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin.
