Europe Can't Replace U.S. as Ukraine's Top Arms Backer

European countries are failing to make up for the loss of American military aid to Ukraine. New data shows a significant drop in total Western support planned for 2025. Some major European nations have increased their pledges. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are sending more weapons and funding. However, cuts from other key allies, including Italy and Spain, have created an overall shortfall. To bridge the gap, the European Commission has a controversial plan. It wants to use profits from frozen Russian central bank assets to fund a large loan for Ukraine. This proposal requires full agreement from all European Union members. The plan now faces serious resistance. Belgium, where much of the frozen Russian money is held, is a leading voice against it. Without a solution, Ukraine's military aid will continue to shrink.