The reconstruction of Ukraine after the war and strengthening its army will cost $ 205 billion over the next decade, and the total cost of increasing Europe's defense capability can reach a trillion dollars. The costs of strengthening the Army of Ukraine, in particular, are estimated at $ 175 billion. These funds will be spent on the modernization of the Armed Forces, preparation for peacekeeping operations and replenishment of strategic stocks.
The amount of expenses for the reconstruction and strengthening of the army will depend on various factors, in particular on how many territories will need to be protected after the hostilities are completed, as well as whether the peacekeeping contingent will be deployed by 40,000 soldiers. This will cost an additional $ 30 billion. However, the Ukrainian authorities believe that more military forces are needed to properly protect the country.
In addition to Ukraine, a significant part of the expenditure will incur Europe, which should strengthen its defense. The cost of defense of EU Member States will increase to 3.5% of their GDP, and the main funds will go to replenishment of artillery reserves, construction of air defense, creation of rocket systems and strengthening of the EU Eastern borders. This will not only strengthen Ukraine's defense capability, but also prepare Europe for possible threats from Russia.
If Europe is funded by these expenses at the expense of debt, it can lead to an additional $ 2.7 trillion debt for the five largest NATO European members for the next decade. This is of concern about economic consequences, and Europe is facing an important choice.
Strengthening the defense sector will require a significant revision of budget strategies that can affect other sectors of the economy, such as health care, education and social security. In addition, the EU faces political challenges, in particular, the use of frozen Russian assets worth $ 300 billion to finance Ukraine.
Against the background of the growing financial obligations of Europe, US President Donald Trump expressed his position, saying that Europe should take on the main burden of assistance to Ukraine. “Look, there is an ocean between us. They do not have it, ”Trump emphasized, noting that this war is much more important for Europe than for the US.
