Fact Check: "Trump said that US spent 350 bln sending help to Ukraine"
What We Know
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has spent approximately $350 billion in aid to Ukraine. This assertion has been made during various public appearances, including a recent town hall meeting where he stated, "Biden handed them $350bn" in reference to U.S. financial support for Ukraine (source-2). However, an analysis by BBC Verify indicates that the actual amount of U.S. aid to Ukraine is significantly lower. According to the Kiel Institute, the U.S. has provided about $119.7 billion in aid from January 2022 through December 2024 (source-1). The U.S. Department of Defense has reported a figure of $182.8 billion appropriated for various military and operational expenses related to Ukraine, but even this figure does not approach the $350 billion claimed by Trump (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. has spent $350 billion on aid to Ukraine lacks credible support. The figures provided by reputable sources, such as the Kiel Institute and the U.S. Department of Defense, show that the total aid is considerably lower than Trump's assertion. The Kiel Institute's figure of $119.7 billion is specifically focused on direct aid, while the Department of Defense's $182.8 billion includes broader military expenditures, which may not all be directly related to Ukraine aid (source-1).
Moreover, Trump's claim has been challenged by multiple fact-checking organizations. For instance, FactCheck.org and Snopes have both confirmed that Trump's statements are exaggerated and not supported by the available data. These organizations emphasize that while the U.S. is indeed the largest single donor to Ukraine, the total contributions from European nations and the European Union combined exceed those from the U.S. when all forms of aid are considered (source-3).
The reliability of the sources used to debunk Trump's claim is high, as they are well-regarded in the field of journalism and fact-checking. BBC Verify, FactCheck.org, and Snopes are known for their rigorous methodologies and commitment to accuracy.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that the U.S. has spent $350 billion on aid to Ukraine is false. The actual figures provided by credible sources indicate that the total aid is much lower, with estimates around $119.7 billion to $182.8 billion depending on the definitions used. Trump's assertion appears to be an exaggeration without substantial evidence to support it.
