Welt: Ukraine Is Becoming More Important To Europe Than The U.S.
- 5.08.2026, 22:54
Kyiv is increasingly emerging as a key partner in the defense sector.
Europe is accelerating its rearmament and increasingly relying on Ukraine’s defense expertise, while its defense partnership with the U.S. is gradually fading. *Die Welt* reports this, citing security experts.
According to the publication, experts remain concerned that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin may view Donald Trump’s presidency as a favorable opportunity for aggressive actions against NATO countries. According to analysts, Moscow may assume that, in the event of an attack on individual Alliance member states, the U.S. will not intervene decisively enough, which would create a so-called “window of opportunity” for the Kremlin.
At the same time, the prevailing view among analysts is that European countries have finally begun to invest more seriously in defense. In particular, Germany has accelerated its arms procurement procedures; however, as experts note, this is not yet sufficient to quickly address gaps in air defense, long-range missiles, and intelligence.
Defense industry expert Susanne Wiegand emphasized that the pace of rearmament does not match the scale of the threats.
“Overall, the assessment of the situation does not match the pace we have achieved so far. We’re moving in the right direction, but we need to act even faster,” she noted.
The report also notes that a gap is forming within Europe between countries that are significantly increasing their defense spending—including the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, Poland, and Germany— and major European powers that, due to budgetary constraints, cannot build up their military capabilities as quickly.
The publication notes that it is the Ukrainian army that currently possesses unique experience in waging modern warfare using drones—experience that NATO armies lack. During exercises, Ukrainian drone units have already demonstrated superiority over Alliance forces, which, according to experts, indicates the West’s insufficient preparedness for such conflicts.
Against this backdrop, WELT notes, attitudes toward Ukraine are also changing. Whereas Ukraine was previously viewed primarily as a recipient of aid, it is now increasingly seen as an important future partner in shaping European security.
“Ukraine has become a valuable asset. Ukrainians are the only ones who know how to counter the Russian threat, both psychologically and technologically,” said Susanne Wigand.
Thomas Revekamp, chairman of the Bundestag’s Defense Committee, shares this view. According to him, despite Germany’s intention to build Europe’s strongest conventional army, that title currently belongs to Ukraine. He also emphasized the need to build the future security system in cooperation with Kyiv.
“What already exists there in terms of innovation, technology, and combat experience will be indispensable for our continent’s defense capabilities in the future,” he noted.
As the publication summarizes, cooperation with Ukraine could help Europe not only strengthen its own defense but also reduce its dependence on the U.S. defense industry. Already, German and other European startups developing drones are actively collaborating with Ukrainian manufacturers, adopting combat experience and technological solutions proven in wartime conditions.