The US support package for Ukraine may be the last ever, and it means an increase in Europe’s responsibility as the war drags on, says researcher Ilmari Käihkö.
The US House of Representatives voted on Saturday evening Finnish time for a support package of about 60 billion dollars for Ukraine. Doctor of military science Ilmari Käihkön according to the support package is a really important thing for Ukraine and the country’s future.
The support is also exceptional in terms of its magnitude. The United States has previously supported Ukraine with approximately 42 billion dollars during the entire war.
– The package is about 55 billion euros. Finland’s entire defense budget is around six billion euros. That is, this is an absolutely huge amount of money, which is now going to Ukraine’s arms purchases, ammunition and training.
Käihkö sees that the package will quickly strengthen Ukraine’s position in the war. For example, it is now able to use its reserves, which it has had to save.
– Ukraine has had a weaker relationship with Russia since the end of last year. This power balance is evened out with this package. But in the long term, Ukraine still has a lot of problems.
The war will probably continue and Europe’s role will increase
According to Käihkö, it is likely that Ukraine will not be able to end the war with the support package.
– I would be prepared for the fact that this war will also be prolonged. This is a terribly important matter, but this does not turn the war into a victory for Ukraine. That was a pretty optimistic interpretation.
Käihkö emphasizes that the aid package may be the last ever that Ukraine receives from the United States, especially if Donald Trump win the presidential election.
According to Käihkö, Europe’s role will grow in supporting Ukraine. The US support package also gives European countries more time to get their ammunition production in order.
– It is really an open question whether Europe will be able to produce as much material in the next few years as Russia is able to produce. Russia has simply invested more in its production than Europe.
– I would be prepared that the war will be prolonged, the support of the United States will end and the responsibility will shift more to Europe, Käihkö sums up.