Political scientist Ihor Reyterovych discussed on the "Kloсhok Time" channel the significant reduction of military aid to Ukraine from European countries, despite NATO's recent Pearl initiative.
According to statistical research from Kiel University, in July-August 2025, military assistance dropped by nearly 43% compared to the average level of the first half of the year, even after the launch of the NATO and US-backed program.
Reyterovych attributes this to both objective (depletion of European stocks, logistical difficulties) and subjective reasons. The latter include the political impact of Donald Trump's statements about a possible peace agreement with Russia, which cooled European allies’ resolve and influenced weapon supply rates.
In the first half of the year, Europeans compensated for the reduction of US aid, but later, the delivery structure shifted toward the new financing mechanism for arms purchases in the US for Ukraine. Eight NATO countries allocated about €1.9 billion, but this did not offset the overall drop in aid volumes.
Reyterovych highlights the importance of developing Ukraine's own arms production and continuing diplomatic efforts to expand the NATO Pearl initiative. The research predicts possible stabilization of aid volumes by year-end, but stresses the need for political steps to maintain support in the long term.
Despite the decrease, Ukraine still receives the minimum necessary assistance. Reyterovych notes that for stable support, Europeans must recognize that aiding Ukraine is above all an investment in Europe’s own security.
