Ukraine becomes world's largest arms importer, Russian exports drop sharply

Ukraine became the world's largest arms importer in 2020-2024. During this period, the country's arms purchases increased almost 100 times compared to 2015-2019. This was reported in a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The United States has become the main supplier of weapons to Ukraine

The report notes that the United States provided 45% of the weapons supplied to Ukraine. Germany (12%) and Poland (11%) took second and third places. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, at least 35 countries provided military assistance to Kiev.

In addition, the volume of arms supplies to NATO countries has also increased sharply. In 2020-2024, arms imports by alliance members increased by 105% compared to the previous five-year period. The largest share of US arms exports went to Europe (35%), while the Middle East fell to second place with a share of 33%. The largest customer of American military-industrial enterprises is Saudi Arabia, which accounted for 12% of American arms exports.

Russian arms exports decreased by 64%

According to SIPRI, Russia is facing serious problems in the arms trade. In 2020-2024, Moscow reduced the volume of arms exports by 64%. This trend had already begun in 2020-2021, and sanctions in 2022 further weakened Russia's position in the arms market.

Russia's largest arms export customers, India and China, are seeking to reduce their dependence on Russian weapons. India is strengthening cooperation with countries such as France and the United States, while China is reducing its dependence on Russia as it focuses on developing its own domestic arms industry. Therefore, Moscow is trying to maintain its sphere of influence by offering discounts to poor African countries.

France has become the world's second largest arms exporter

France is recognized as the world's second largest arms exporter, with a 9.6% share of the world market. The next places are occupied by Russia (7.8%), Germany (5.6%), China (5.9%) and Italy (4.8%).

According to the SIPRI report, the United States supplied weapons to 107 countries around the world during this period. American exports increased by 21%, and its share of the world market increased from 35% to 43%. This made it the absolute leader in arms sales.

At the same time, Russia sold weapons to only 33 countries in 2020-2024. Two-thirds of Russian exports went to India (38%), China (17%) and Kazakhstan (11%). Once one of the largest players in the global arms market, Moscow is now facing serious problems in restoring its industrial capabilities. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”