Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Ukraine / Ukraine aid benefits arms industry, not US economy
Ukraine, Europe and Eurasia, Russia

January 17, 2024

Ukraine aid benefits arms industry, not US economy

By Peter Harris

Will the United States renew its funding for Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia? Congress is having difficulty deciding the answer to this question, with Republicans still committed to withholding consent until President Biden agrees to bolster security at the U.S.-Mexico border. With political support for Ukraine looking shaky, the White House is nervous — and rightly so.

In a drive to convince lawmakers of the necessity to arm Ukraine, President Biden last year took to emphasizing the economic benefits for communities across the United States. The intuition behind this strategy was that many voters might wrongly assume that “aid to Ukraine” means wiring huge sums of money to bank accounts in Kyiv.

In fact, much of America’s military aid comes in the form of in-kind contributions, such as arms and ammunition taken from existing U.S. stockpiles. If Congress votes to finance more support for Ukraine, the lion’s share of this funding will go to domestic firms tasked with replenishing the Pentagon’s own armories.

Viewed in this light, aid to Ukraine starts to look a lot more attractive to people who adopt a narrow definition of the national interest. Who could oppose billions of dollars being allocated to U.S.-based businesses and their workers?

Read at Responsible Statecraft

Author

Photo of Peter Harris

Peter
Harris

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

op-edGrand strategy, Diplomacy, Europe and Eurasia

Hidden in the U.S. Army’s new reform initiative is a warning for Europe

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 16, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Are the Russia-Ukraine peace talks going anywhere?

By Daniel DePetris

June 3, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Drone attack may do Ukraine more harm than good

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 2, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Daniel Davis on NBC News discusses Ukraine’s recent drone attacks inside Russia

Featuring Daniel Davis

June 2, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Why Trump can’t get ‘crazy’ Putin to end the war

Featuring Rajan Menon

May 29, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Is Trump’s unified Republican front fracturing over Russia?

By Daniel DePetris

May 28, 2025

Events on Ukraine

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Past Virtual Event: A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved