Ukraine will need about $126 billion in military aid in 2025 to maintain parity with Russia's growing military spending, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing expert estimates. However, such significant expenditures raise doubts among Western countries, especially in the context of a possible reduction in support from the United States if Donald Trump's statements about ending aid to Kyiv are implemented.

According to the publication, such funding volumes could become unaffordable for Western allies already facing domestic economic challenges. The main burden of military support for Ukraine in recent years has fallen on the United States. Since the start of the full-scale conflict in 2022, the volume of American military aid to Kyiv has amounted to $61,4 billion, according to the Pentagon. However, this has not been enough to compensate for Russia's growing defense spending.

Experts warn that the prospect of further support for Ukraine is becoming increasingly uncertain with Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 2025. The former and future US president has repeatedly called for cutting aid spending to Ukraine, pointing to the need to focus resources on the country’s domestic problems. If the Trump administration follows through on its promises, Ukraine could face a serious shortfall in financial and military support.

Meanwhile, doubts are also growing in Europe about the ability to provide a steady flow of aid to Ukraine. EU countries have already spent significant amounts of money to support Kyiv, putting pressure on their budgets. Some have begun to publicly express concern about the consequences of continuing large-scale funding in the face of an energy crisis and inflation.

$126 billion is not only a significant amount, but also a kind of test of the stability of the Western alliance. For comparison, according to a number of sources, Russia's total military budget for 2023 was about $86 billion, but by 2025 this figure is expected to increase significantly. To maintain the balance of power, Ukraine will need to increase its purchases of weapons, ammunition, and strengthen its defense, which is impossible without international support.