Sharp Decline in Weapons Deliveries to Ukraine
Military aid to Ukraine experienced a dramatic 43% decline during July and August 2025 compared to the first half of the year, according to a new report from the German-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The surprising drop comes despite the implementation of NATO's new Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program designed to accelerate weapons procurement for Kyiv.
European Support Dwindles
The data reveals that European military aid specifically fell by 57% during the summer months, with average monthly military deliveries dropping from nearly €4 billion in the first six months of 2025 to just over €2 billion in July and August. 'Europa schaalt zijn totale militaire steun af,' says Christoph Trebesch, head researcher of the Ukraine Support Tracker. 'It becomes crucial how these figures develop in the autumn.'
The decline is particularly striking given that European allies had stepped up earlier in 2025 to fill the gap when US military aid stopped under the Trump administration. During the first half of the year, European countries allocated a record €26.9 billion in support, helping offset the absence of US contributions.
NATO's PURL Program Fails to Deliver
In July 2025, NATO introduced the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) - a new mechanism allowing European allies to purchase weapons from the United States specifically for Ukraine's most urgent needs. The program was signed between the US and NATO on July 14 and was intended to streamline weapons procurement.
Despite this initiative, weapons deliveries have actually fallen over the summer months. Several countries have pledged contributions through PURL, including the Netherlands ($590 million), Germany ($500 million), Sweden ($275 million), Norway ($135 million), and Denmark ($90 million). However, the total figures suggest the mechanism has not gained widespread popularity among NATO member states.
Financial Aid Remains Stable
While military assistance has declined, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine has remained consistent. In July and August, average financial aid levels matched those of previous months throughout the 3.5-year conflict. This stability in economic support provides some relief for Ukraine's war-torn economy, though military capabilities remain the most pressing need.
Trump Considers Tomahawk Missile Delivery
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has indicated he might provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles unless Russia agrees to end the war. 'Russia does not need that,' Trump stated, describing the Tomahawk as 'an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon.' The missiles can strike targets precisely from 1,000 miles away and would significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to hit Russian military infrastructure deep behind enemy lines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed working with the White House to strengthen defensive capabilities and noted that Russia's fear of Tomahawks indicates this pressure could be effective in achieving peace. The Kremlin has warned that supplying these nuclear-capable cruise missiles would be seen as a 'serious escalation' and could trigger dangerous consequences.
Battlefield Realities Continue
On the ground, fighting continues intensely in southern and eastern Ukraine. Russian forces have made limited territorial gains in recent months, though measured against Ukraine's vast territory, the advances remain relatively small. No major breakthroughs have occurred this year.
Russia continues daily heavy air attacks on Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine conducts drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries. The conflict shows no signs of immediate resolution, making consistent military support increasingly critical for Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The Ukraine Support Tracker, maintained by the Kiel Institute since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, provides the most detailed overview of military deliveries to Ukraine, though the data relies on information that countries choose to disclose publicly.