Recent analyses from a Ukrainian think tank reveal that the actual military aid the United States has provided to Ukraine is significantly lower than official claims. While the US government estimates the aid at $65.9 billion, the think tank’s research calculates it to be only $18.3 billion. This finding exposes a stark contrast between perceived and actual support, raising concerns about the impact on alliances and mutual understanding among allies.
The disparity in aid can be attributed to several factors: first, the value of military equipment delivered to Ukraine is approximately 60% lower than the official price due to age and limited combat effectiveness. Second, a considerable volume of equipment transfers is yet to occur. Lastly, about 25% of the aid is actually in the form of loans rather than grants, complicating the assessment of true aid levels.
The report highlights how US aid was structured—not as direct transfers to the Ukrainian government, but as disbursements through loans or third-party reimbursements. Over $31 billion was routed through international accounts managed by organisations like USAID, supporting critical expenses such as pensions and healthcare. Ukraine’s advanced eGovernment system facilitates meticulous financial oversight, ensuring transparency in disbursements.
US loans like the $156 million used to buy locomotives further illustrate the complexity of the aid structure, as they demand repayment. Additionally, about $25 billion in loans for Ukraine’s recovery are collateralized with US funds, including profits from frozen Russian assets. Lastly, the Treasury provided $12.1 billion for military procurement, although not all the items have yet been delivered, leading to an effective value closer to $5.5 billion.
The Presidential Drawdown Authority allowed for about $31 billion in equipment and munitions from US stocks, though actual valuation shows this could be as low as $12.5 billion due to the age of the equipment. Indirect support also includes around $20 billion invested in Poland’s defence industry, with only a fraction benefiting Ukraine. A programme aimed at aiding Ukraine has also lapsed unused.
Contrary to claims of rampant corruption, the report indicates a low level of corruption within aid transfers to Ukraine, asserting that thorough audits have not revealed significant issues. Ukrainian evaluation mechanisms have ensured the integrity of the funds and aid provided. This oversight contrasts sharply with claims made at political levels, including assertions by former President Trump regarding inflated aid figures.
Ultimately, the economists arrive at the total value of US aid delivered to Ukraine as $50.9 billion, of which $18.3 billion consists of military assistance. Despite the discourse surrounding Ukraine’s financial support, including that from European allies, the evidential discrepancies call for a clearer understanding of the actual commitments made by various nations in support of Ukraine.
A Ukrainian think tank has revealed that US military aid to Ukraine is dramatically overstated. Official claims suggest $65.9 billion, while actual aid is reportedly $18.3 billion. The discrepancy arises from the overvaluation of military equipment, incomplete transfers, and a significant portion being loans. The structural method of aid delivery also complicates assessments, and audits indicate a low level of corruption in the aid process, contrasting with inflated political claims.
The recent findings illustrate a significant underestimation of US military aid to Ukraine, unveiling a reality where actual assistance is substantially lower than officially reported figures. Numerous factors contribute to this discrepancy, including the inclusion of loans, unfulfilled equipment transfers, and overvalued military assets. While the commitment of the US to Ukraine is incorrectly framed in some political narratives, the comprehensive oversight and auditing mechanisms indicate a responsible approach in managing the aid provided.
Original Source: www.kyivpost.com
