For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European defense production dedicated to Kyiv has surpassed that of the United States, according to new figures released on Tuesday.
Data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany shows that between February 2022 and June 2025, European nations generated at least €35.1 billion ($41.1 billion) worth of military equipment for Ukraine. That figure is €4.4 billion ($5.15 billion) higher than U.S. output during the same period.
Europe also overtook the U.S. in total military aid earlier this year, as European contributions climbed following Washington’s pullback under the incoming Trump administration. EU member states have pledged more than $65 billion in military support, with additional contributions coming from non-EU European countries, raising the continent’s overall total.
The Kiel Institute noted that its tally does not include the recently announced American arms package, the first major tranche approved under President Donald Trump. Because those deliveries will be purchased by Ukraine rather than provided as donations, they were excluded from the accounting.
When factoring in other categories of aid, Europe’s lead widens further. Since 2022, European governments have committed €167.4 billion ($196.1 billion) in economic assistance to Kyiv and pledged another €90 billion ($105.4 billion). By comparison, U.S. commitments amount to €114.6 billion ($134.3 billion), with an additional €4.35 billion ($5.1 billion) pledged.
Despite Europe’s collective advantage, the United States remains the single largest donor country, with total contributions nearly double those of the second-largest provider, the EU itself. The bloc has supplied €60.5 billion ($70.9 billion) in financial aid and €2.7 billion ($3.2 billion) in humanitarian relief.
Washington has also delivered more infantry fighting vehicles, howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems, and air defense platforms to Ukraine than any other individual nation. Still, when European contributions are combined, they exceed the U.S. in each of these categories.
Germany stands out as Europe’s biggest donor overall, but in terms of economic weight, smaller nations such as Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia rank highest. Denmark’s support alone equals 2.9% of its GDP, with EU-related assistance adding another 0.4%.
Poland has been especially notable in tank contributions, providing 354 to Ukraine—the most from any country. The Netherlands and Denmark followed with 104 and 94 tanks, respectively.
Kiel’s researchers highlighted that much of the current equipment sent to Kyiv now comes directly from ongoing defense production rather than from existing arsenals, which were heavily depleted during the early stages of the war.
While American assistance has been marked by periods of uncertainty, European backing has remained steady and even grown as the conflict moves into its fourth year. In just May and June 2025, European governments committed €10.5 billion ($12.3 billion) in fresh military aid, including at least €4.6 billion ($5.4 billion) through new procurement contracts. This underscores a shift away from relying on stockpiles toward sustained industrial output.
