**US Ends Military Aid to Ukraine, Leaving Europe to Pick Up the Tab**
The United States has decided to stop providing military aid to Ukraine, shifting the responsibility for Kyiv’s defense onto Europe. This move comes as a surprise, given that the US had been providing critical support to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
**A Different View from Washington**
Speaking at Congressional hearings on the 2026 US defense budget, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Trump administration has a “very different view” of the war than its predecessor. The new approach favors a “negotiated peaceful settlement,” which is a departure from the Biden-era policy that sent $74 billion in US military aid to Ukraine.
**Europe’s Inconsistent Support**
With the US stepping back, Europe is expected to take the lead in supporting Ukraine’s defense. However, as journalist and war analyst Owen Matthews points out in his recent opinion piece for The Telegraph, Europe’s follow-through has been inconsistent at best. Despite EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s publicized plan to boost defense spending by €800 billion, only a small fraction of this amount has actually materialized.
**Europe Spends More on Russian Energy Than Ukraine’s Defense**
In fact, Europe is projected to spend over €20 billion on Russian oil, gas, coal, and uranium in 2025 – more than it is expected to spend on Ukraine’s defense. This disparity has raised questions about the sincerity of European promises to support Ukraine.
**Ukraine Turns to Domestic Production**
Despite limited external support, Ukraine has been expanding its domestic arms production. Local output now meets up to 50% of military needs, including howitzers, drones, and electronic warfare tools. Matthews notes that Ukraine’s Limma jamming system outperforms Western and Russian equivalents.
**Challenges Ahead for Ukraine**
However, Ukraine remains vulnerable due to shortages in ammunition, spare parts, and trained soldiers. Reports of forced conscription have triggered online backlash. Russia, on the other hand, is set to spend $160 billion on defense this year – double Ukraine’s budget – and benefits from lower production costs.
**Kyiv Fights for Survival**
With US aid gone and European promises still falling short, Matthews argues that Kyiv is now fighting for survival with diminishing resources and uncertain allies. The future looks uncertain for Ukraine as it continues to face significant challenges on the battlefield.
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