**Europe Can’t Fill the Void Left by US in Ukraine‘s Defense**
The question on everyone’s mind since Donald Trump became President of the United States is whether Europe, including the UK, can replace the military assistance the US gives to Ukraine. The answer is no.
**Current Military Aid Figures**
The US and European Union provide similar amounts of military aid to Ukraine – 43% each. Germany is the largest donor in the EU (12%), while the UK provides the second-most generous assistance from outside the EU (9%).
**Why Europe Can’t Fill the Void**
For the EU to replace the US, it would need to double its military aid to Ukraine. However, the current political situation in Europe and the real military capabilities of individual European countries mean that Europe will not be able to step up in the short term.
**Europe’s Military Production and Capacity**
After the end of the Cold War, most European countries reduced their military production and/or shifted their military industrial models. Germany has increased its military spending, but it would take decades for the country to replenish its weapons stockpiles to the level they were 20 years ago.
**NATO’s Strain**
The lack of capacity is not just a European problem, but a NATO-wide issue. In February 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that Ukraine’s rate of ammunition expenditure was many times higher than the allies’ current production rate, putting NATO defense industries under strain.
**Pressure on Europe to Act**
As Ukraine approaches the third anniversary of all-out war with Russia, pressure is mounting on its leaders to negotiate. However, because of years of “criminal dereliction of duty” by European governments, Europe now finds itself in a position where it cannot defend a country that has sacrificed tens, maybe hundreds, of thousands of lives to defend not only its own territory but Europe as a whole.
**Conclusion**
The time for Europe to confront its obligations is now. The stakes have never been higher. Europe should start by emulating Poland and the Nordic countries, understanding that defending Ukraine is not an act of charity, but the number one priority for self-defense.