Russia at $ 150B war cost while 50% of Ukraine West aid late – Umerov

Western aid often arrives late, resulting in Ukraine losing personnel and territory, said the Ukrainian Defense Minister.

Feb 26, 2024 - 09:39
Russia at $ 150B war cost while 50% of Ukraine West aid late – Umerov

Russia has spent over $150 billion on the war, according to the Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

“The Russian economy is around $2 trillion. They are using up to 15% of their budget on the war against Ukraine, which amounts to over $150 billion,” the minister said at the “Ukraine. Year 2024” conference.

He also reported that Western aid to Ukraine often arrives late, resulting in Ukraine losing personnel and territory.

“The allocation of aid does not necessarily mean its delivery. 50% of pledged military support is not supplied on time,” he stated.

Umerov underscored that no war in history has been won without air superiority, likely alluding to lags in F-16 fighter jet transfers to Ukraine. Still, he credited Ukraine’s forces with ejecting Russia from northern regions and the Black Sea coast despite lacking such aerial dominance.

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