Expert: US halts funding for Ukrainian military but still profits from conflict
Theo TASS
A Russian military expert says the US has shifted the financial burden of supporting Ukraine’s military to Europe while still profiting from the conflict by selling military equipment. According to Alexander Stepanov, Washington intends to avoid direct involvement but remains the main beneficiary through European-funded defense contracts. The Pentagon’s draft budget for fiscal 2027 includes no direct military aid for Ukraine, though a previously approved $400 million package will be used soon.
MOSCOW, May 2 (TASS). Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security of RANEPA, said the United States has shifted the responsibility for financing the Ukrainian military to Europe, but continues to profit from the Ukraine conflict by selling military equipment to European countries.
According to Stepanov, this approach shows Washington’s intention to 'step back' and avoid direct involvement in the conflict. However, mechanisms have been established to ensure supplies to the U.S. military-industrial complex through European funds and programs, as well as by positioning production facilities in Europe.
“In this context, the U.S. defense budget does not require direct funding for the Kiev regime: costs will be covered through European financial structures and organizations, but ultimately the United States remains the main beneficiary of the conflict in Ukraine,” Stepanov said. He noted that the United States will continue to collect dividends as long as Europe openly supports and finances Kiev.
Earlier, on April 30, Jules Hurst, the Pentagon’s controller, said the draft budget of the U.S. Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 includes no funding for military aid to Ukraine. However, Hurst said the Pentagon will soon begin using a previously approved $400 million military aid package for Ukraine.
