In his 2024 electoral campaign, Donald Trump made it clear to ally Viktor Orbán that if elected, he would provide no financial support to Ukraine. This decision shows a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the Ukraine conflict, which marks now four years since its onset. After his return to the White House, Trump drastically cut American aid to Ukraine, and despite the ongoing war, European nations were left to carry the financial burden, fulfilling Trump's long-standing promise to reduce U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

According to the latest report from the Kiel Institute in Germany, American support dropped by 99% in 2025 compared to the previous year. In stark contrast, European assistance surged nearly 70% in the same period. The report compiles data on contributions from 42 donor countries and highlights the growing role Europe plays in supporting Ukraine at a time when military operations and humanitarian assistance remain critically needed. It notes that out of approximately €2 trillion raised for Ukrainian assistance since the beginning of the conflict, only 2.5% came from countries other than the U.S. or European nations.

This shift in funding dynamics not only underscores the impact of Trump's policies on international relations but also raises questions about the future of support for Ukraine, particularly as the war continues with significant human and economic costs. As Europe steps up its contributions, the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and its role in global security are becoming increasingly uncertain, highlighting the complexities of transatlantic alliances at a crucial time for European stability and security.