What the U.S. Has to Gain from Supporting Ukraine: A Yale Analysis
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Researchers at the Yale School of Management, Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and co-author Steven Tian, have examined the economic and strategic outcomes of U.S. support for Ukraine. Their findings challenge the common claim that this support comes at a cost to the U.S. with no return. On the contrary, the authors conclude that the U.S. is the single biggest winner from supporting Ukraine.
Key Arguments
The researchers point to three key arguments.
First, the vast majority of aid funding actually stays within the American economy. One study found that 90% of Ukraine aid dollars are not actually sent to Ukraine, but remain in the U.S., where leading defense contractors have invested tens of billions in new manufacturing facilities, creating thousands of jobs across at least 38 states, with components sourced from all 50 states.
Second, the war in Ukraine has prompted European NATO allies to significantly increase their defense spending. Before Putin's invasion, only two European countries spent more than 2% of GDP on defense; now 11 NATO members spend more than 2%, and Europe's financial commitments to Ukraine now exceed those of the U.S.
Third, Russia's military strength has been severely degraded without a single American combat casualty, using only a small fraction of the U.S. defense budget. Meanwhile, Russia is now spending 40% of its government budget on defense, cannibalizing the rest of its economy.
The researchers' conclusion is clear: supporting Ukraine is not only an act of solidarity, it is a sound investment in America's own security and economic interests.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act, sending a clear bipartisan message that the United States stands firmly behind Ukraine's fight for sovereignty, freedom, and territorial integrity.
Before it reaches the Senate Floor…
Take a moment to thank your Members of Congress for their leadership and let them know their support matters.
This vote reflects the strength of the American people's commitment to supporting Ukraine and reinforces the resolve of the international community in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression.
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ipartisan action like this ensures that support for Ukraine remains a durable, long-term priority, not subject to political cycles.