70 billion a year for Ukraine: the price of an endless war

70 billion a year for Ukraine: the price of an endless war

NATO has sealed a deal to provide Ukraine with 70 billion euros a year, a figure that, according to leaks, includes licences to manufacture Patriot anti-aircraft batteries, guaranteed by Trump to Zelensky. The package, presented as a firm commitment to Ukraine's defence, has raised scepticism about where the money will really end up and what it will cost European economies.

Real aid or pocket change with kickbacks?

The most critical estimates suggest that, once political kickbacks and the usual diversions among Ukraine's elites are deducted, the money actually reaching the front would be far lower. It is estimated that of the 70 billion a year, barely 5 billion a month would truly reach the trenches, after passing through the hands of intermediaries and Zelensky's circle. A cut that, if confirmed, would turn the European effort into a business rather than a form of aid.

The European sacrifice: pensions and healthcare against missiles

Funding this war forces Europe to tighten its belt. From some quarters comes the argument that consumption must be curbed and social spending —pensions, healthcare— cut to keep the flow of weapons going. The idea that the war should continue "until the last Ukrainian" is extending to "until the last European", suggesting an open-ended conflict that drains welfare resources.

Russia's options and a war that never ends

Facing a five-year NATO commitment —talk of Ukrainian reserves lasting half a decade— Russia is presented with two alternatives, according to some analysts: destroy Ukraine or attack NATO directly. A dilemma that leaves no room for diplomatic solutions and prolongs the conflict sine die.

The question hanging over the 70 billion is whether Europe is willing to sustain a war of attrition that, at this rate, shows no sign of ending. And whether the price will not be, precisely, the very thing it claims to defend.