KYIV—Ukrainians gathered at memorials across the country today, laying flowers to mark the end of World War II. In Kyiv, resident Olha Hviazdovska said "events that happened many years ago now feel like a kind of deja vu."
The observances occurred as defense contractors and their Washington lobbyists position themselves to profit from the ongoing conflict. The United States has committed more than $75 billion in aid to Ukraine since February 2022, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies reported combined lobbying expenditures exceeding $15 million in 2023, according to OpenSecrets filings. The firms stand to gain substantially from increased defense budgets, international military assistance programs and the long-term rearmament of European allies.
Geopolitical instability has driven up defense spending across NATO member states, directly benefiting major arms manufacturers and military technology firms. The European Union's energy security strategy has also shifted, accelerating investments in renewable sources and liquefied natural gas terminals to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
This pivot has created new opportunities for energy infrastructure firms, green technology developers and U.S. LNG exporters. Lobbying efforts around U.S. foreign aid packages and defense appropriations have intensified in Washington, with defense contractors spending millions to advocate for continued support.
Congress is expected to debate an additional aid package for Ukraine later this summer, with key votes anticipated in both the House and Senate. European Union leaders will also convene in Brussels next month to discuss further sanctions against Russia and long-term reconstruction plans for Ukraine.
