SIPRI Report: Ukraine Tops Global Arms Imports Over Five-Year Period

Ukraine's Arms Imports

According to ХВИЛЯ: According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine was the world's largest importer of major arms between 2021 and 2025, receiving military equipment from 36 different nations. The country's share of global arms imports for this five-year period reached 9.7%. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has relied heavily on foreign military support for its defense. This massive influx of weaponry is a direct consequence of the ongoing war and the international effort to bolster Ukrainian resistance.

Key Suppliers and Shifts in the Arms Market

The United States, Germany, and Poland were the leading suppliers of arms to Ukraine. The U.S. provided 41% of all military deliveries, Germany 14%, and Poland 9.4%, demonstrating the scale of international backing. However, the total volume of arms transfers in 2025 saw a slight decrease compared to the peaks of 2023 and 2024.

Furthermore, 25 countries have signed contracts with Washington to purchase air defense missiles and aerial bombs for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, highlighting a coordinated multinational effort to supply Kyiv's military needs.

The global arms export market is dominated by five countries: the United States, France, Russia, Germany, and China, which together account for roughly 70% of all worldwide sales. Notably, Russia's share of the global export market has plummeted from 21% to 6.8%. SIPRI researchers observed that

“Russia’s share of the global export market has fallen from 21 per cent to a critical 6.8 per cent.”

Russian arms exports are now largely sustained by contracts with India, China, and Belarus. In the global ranking of the largest arms recipients, Ukraine holds first place, followed by India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan. These market dynamics reflect a significant shift in the global balance of power and underscore the critical role of international security cooperation.

The data confirms that wartime Ukraine has become a pivotal player on the international arms market, a status fueled by substantial Western support. The sharp decline in Russia's global arms export share illustrates how the international community has responded to its aggression, altering geopolitical realities. The vital importance of these deliveries for Ukraine's defense capabilities emphasizes the ongoing necessity for sustained security collaboration.