London recently hosted high-level discussions concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany reiterating their steadfast support for President Volodymyr Zelensky. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment that President Zelensky had not reviewed his newest proposition to terminate the hostilities.
President Trump has historically criticized European nations for their perceived insufficient contributions to Ukraine, frequently contrasting them with American expenditures. BBC Verify has undertaken a detailed examination of the financial support provided by both Europe and the United States since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
According to data from the Germany-based Kiel Institute, which meticulously tracks international aid to Ukraine, the United States allocated a total of $130.6 billion between January 24, 2022, and August 31, 2025. Alternatively, the US government cites a broader figure of $187 billion appropriated for Operation Atlantic Resolve—a comprehensive response encompassing military training in Europe and the replenishment of US defense stocks—though this data only runs through June 2025.
In July, President Trump unveiled a new strategy requiring NATO allies to purchase US weaponry for subsequent transfer to Ukraine. During a February meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump asserted, “We’ve spent more than $300bn and Europe has spent about $100bn—that’s a big difference.” BBC Verify’s analysis at the time determined these figures were inaccurate, a conclusion that remains valid ten months later.
The Kiel Institute’s calculations reveal that while the US is indeed the largest single-nation donor, European countries collectively have committed more substantial resources. Europe’s total contribution reached $201.7 billion during the same period, surpassing US expenditures by a significant margin. This European aid comprises direct EU support alongside bilateral agreements from both member and non-member states, covering military, financial, and humanitarian assistance.
The composition of aid has emerged as another point of transatlantic divergence. President Trump previously suggested European contributions were primarily loans that would be repaid, prompting President Macron to clarify that both Europe and the US provided a combination of grants and loans. Kiel Institute data confirms Macron’s statement, though it also indicates the US has delivered more grants while the EU has extended more loans.
The EU reports its members have provided approximately $197 billion as of November 19, with loans constituting 35% of this total. These loans feature highly favorable terms for Ukraine, with reduced interest rates and, in certain cases, repayments funded through revenues from frozen Russian assets.
Regarding individual European contributors, the United Kingdom ranks as one of the most significant national donors with $21.2 billion in verified support, though the UK government references a higher figure of $29 billion that includes future commitments. Only the United States and Germany have provided more substantial aid packages according to Kiel data, though both European nations’ contributions remain substantially smaller than America’s singular contribution.