The U.S. is urging Europe to step up its support for Ukraine
The Pentagon has stated that Ukraine cannot rely on large-scale assistance from the U.S. alone for much longer. Washington expects its European allies to shoulder the bulk of the support, according to Politico.
The U.S. is sending a signal to its allies: it is time to take on more responsibility for supporting Ukraine. The Pentagon is making it clear that the previous model of aid, where Washington bore the main burden, no longer works. This was stated by the Pentagon’s top political representative, Elbridge Colby, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Berlin.
He explained that a significant portion of U.S. aid was provided from its own stockpiles, and these resources are not infinite. “Europe must accelerate the process of assuming primary responsibility for the continent’s conventional defense. This is not a matter of choice, but of strategic necessity,” Colby stated.
According to him, continued support for Ukraine “should not depend on significant contributions from the U.S.” Instead, he called on European countries to increase funding, arms production, and aid to Kyiv. “Europe must place the continent’s defense—and, consequently, its military support for Ukraine—on a truly sustainable footing,” he added.
At the same time, statistics show that the situation is already changing. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, U.S. military aid to Ukraine plummeted by nearly 99% in 2025. European countries, on the other hand, increased their support. Financial and humanitarian aid increased by 59%, and military aid by 67% compared to previous years. As a result, the overall level of aid to Ukraine remained roughly the same.
These statements came against the backdrop of new decisions by allies in Berlin. Ukraine’s partners announced another support package, which includes drones, air defense systems, and long-range strike capabilities.
Thus, the focus of support is gradually shifting: the U.S. remains an important partner, but Europe is set to play an increasingly significant role.
Additionally, Ukrainians’ positive attitude toward Western countries is growing, while their attitude toward the US, the EU, and NATO has declined.
