If we look at the numbers, it’s obvious how enormous the contribution of the EU to Ukraine’s defense has been. To say that the EU helps Ukraine less than the USA is simply untrue.
In real terms, the total aid allocated by European countries to Ukraine over the past three years surpasses the US – nearing almost 140 billion euros as of February 2025, according to IFW.
Even in terms of military support, where the United States has almost limitless resources compared to Europeans, Ukraine is armed with more European-provided equipment.
EU supplied more planes, more tanks, more IFVs. Europeans are even responsible for providing more Patriots to Ukraine than Washington.
According to publicly available data from Oryx, the contribution of Europe and the US to Ukraine, broken down by main types of arms is as follows:
◾️Europe supplied Ukraine with 51 planes of different types, and another 85 are waiting to be delivered. USA - 0.
(Of note is that Europeans gave away most of their F-16s to Ukraine, instead signing contracts to replace them with newer and more expensive F-35 models from US companies)
◾️Helicopters, Europe supplied 73, USA - 21.
◾️Tanks, Europe supplied 887 tanks, USA - 31 Abrams, and paid for 45 Soviet Т-72s, which were modernized in Czechia and given to Ukraine.
◾️IFVs, Europe provided 1086 units of different types, USA - 300 Bradleys.
◾️Towed artillery, according to public data, US supplied 259 howitzers, while Europe provided 183, but the real numbers are likely higher, as many countries were not open about their deliveries as the US was.
◾️Self-propelled guns, Europe supplied 762 units of various types, USA provided 18.
◾️ Multiple launch rocket systems, US provided 40 Himars, Europe supplied 28 Himars and analogues (M270), as well as over 50 post-Soviet MLRS models.
◾️Patriots
Ukraine received 2 batteries from the US, while the Europeans provided:
- 3 batterties and 6 line batteries (1 Patriot battery consists of up to 8 line batteries) from Germany;
- 5 line batteries from the Netherlands;
- 1 battery from Romania, paid for by US and Norway;
- 2 SAMP/T batteries – French-Italian Patriot analogues.
PS: Just to make things clear, this is not final official data, but analysis of open source information.
Yes, a lot of this equipment is US-made, but it was EU countries who bought it for Ukraine, or gave the AFU their stocks (sometimes draining their own supplies completely) and placed new orders with US companies.
The United States played a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense so far. And Europeans will need to step up their contributions, spending, and overall focus on defense, if the US were to take a more hands-off approach. I won’t pretend that it will be easy.
What I am saying is that the time has come for Germany and France to take a leadership role and build the defense sector according to the level of threat.
Then Europe could guarantee its own security.
The way towards increasing Europe’s role in the continent’s defence is clear. Now, priorities are being set, spending is being planned, coordination is happening.
Defense and security are a long-term task for the EU.
The Ukraine issue is key.
What we need is not a quick ceasefire at any cost, but a stable peace and a deterrence of a new war.
We need a clear understanding of Ukraine’s place and role in European security architecture. This is the foundation.
A strong Ukraine = a strong Europe. A strong Ukrainian army is the key towards deterring Russia.
Europe has already shown itself as one of the most reliable and generous partners of Ukraine, a partner that is capable of putting their priorities straight. As always, I am grateful to have our European neighbors on our side – and I am confident that whatever the future holds, together, Europe and Ukraine can persevere and emerge stronger.