Ukraine becomes largest European importer of weapons - SIPRI report
Ukraine has become the largest European importer of weapons - SIPRI report (photo: Getty Images)
Over the past five years, Russian arms exports have nearly halved, with Russia falling to third place in the ranking of global suppliers. At the same time, Ukraine has become the largest arms importer in Europe, with an increase of 6633%, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
According to a report on changes in arms exports during the period from 2019 to 2023 compared to 2014 to 2018, the US consistently maintains its leading position: exports over the past five years have increased by 17%. From 2019 to 2023, the US supplied the main military equipment to 107 countries worldwide, exceeding previous periods and the deliveries of any other exporter.
The US accounts for about 55% of the armaments imported by European countries in the years 2019-2023, which is 20% more than in 2014-2018.
In second place among exporters is France, where arms exports have increased by 47%, and the share in global supplies has grown to 11%, compared to 7.2% in 2014-2018. This leap was made possible by the supply of combat aircraft to Qatar, India, and Egypt.
Russia, on the other hand, has dropped to third place in the ranking of global arms suppliers. From 2019 to 2023, its arms exports almost halved, decreasing by 53%. Russia's share in global supplies decreased by 10%.
Over the past five years, Russian military exports have sharply declined. In 2019, Russia supplied weapons to 31 countries, but by 2023, this number had decreased to 12. Additionally, from 2019 to 2023, less than two-thirds of Russian exports were accounted for by India (34%), China (21%), and Egypt (7.5%).
Ukraine has become the largest arms importer in Europe for the period from 2019 to 2023 and the fourth largest in the world, after around 30 countries provided major weapons since February 2022.
The overall increase in military imports reached a record 6633%. The main suppliers of weapons to Kyiv were the US (39%), Germany (14%), and Poland (13%).
The US and Japan are discussing military defense cooperation to assist Ukraine. The allies aim to reach specific agreements ahead of the meeting in Washington between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida scheduled for April 10.
The summit's main topic will be Japan's ability to support the expansion of the US arsenal. Japan has already provided Ukraine with non-lethal and financial assistance, but further relaxation of export restrictions could expand opportunities for arms sales abroad.
