Debits/Credits: The US is Receiving Plenty from Ukraine

by Benjamin Cook

Hi everybody!

Actually, this blog is something like ‘Dumpf-free zone’. Amid the brownish, FSB-connected gang led by the Orange Head, collapsing the USA from within, we’ve kind of decided to ignore the relevant ‘news’.

But, sometimes, we can’t hold back. After all, there’s a need to make a few things clear.

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How has the US benefited from the war in Ukraine?

The idea that Ukraine owes the U.S. anything is ridiculous on its face. Had the U.S. gone to war with China with the same military it had in February 2022, we would have been embarrassed—thousands of lives lost, billions wasted, perhaps more than a trillion. Instead, we got a front-row seat to a near-peer war without having to fire a shot or lose a soldier. Some Americans can’t deal with the fact that Ukraine is sacrificing its future so Americans and Europeans don’t have to. Instead of understanding and processing this uncomfortable reality, they dismiss it with a whole host of excuses and lies.

One, of course, is the notion that Ukraine needs to repay the U.S. taxpayer.

Benefits the U.S. Has Gained from the War in Ukraine

1. Modern Warfare Lessons – The U.S. military realized it was unprepared for a high-intensity peer conflict, prompting a reassessment of force structure, logistics, and technological adaptation. (Probably worth a trillion dollars.)

2. Validation of AI and Autonomous Systems – The war has highlighted the critical role of AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), target acquisition, and electronic warfare.

3. Testbed for Western Weapons – U.S. and NATO weapons systems, including HIMARS, Javelins, and Patriot batteries, have been tested against a near-peer adversary, providing valuable real-world performance data. Not to mention experimental weapons.

4. Weakening of Russia’s Military – Russia’s military has suffered significant losses in manpower, equipment, and global prestige, reducing its conventional threat to NATO.

5. Revitalization of the Defense Industry – Increased demand for munitions, drones, and air defense systems has led to major defense budget increases and a resurgence in American arms manufacturing. Read as: American Jobs. Increase US military magazine depth.

6. Reassessment of Logistics & Supply Chains – The U.S. has learned critical lessons about ammunition stockpiles, industrial base vulnerabilities, and the importance of resilient supply chains in wartime. Not just the US, but the entire west’s magazine depth is shown to be lacking.

7. Cyber and Electronic Warfare Insights – Ukraine’s battlefield has provided real-time data on electronic warfare, cyberattacks, and countermeasures, shaping future U.S. strategies. Ukraine has surpassed the US on its EW abilities. This is just a fact.

8. Economic Gains from Energy Exports – With Europe reducing reliance on Russian energy, U.S. LNG exports to Europe have surged, boosting American energy markets. Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alaska… you are welcome.

9. Lessons in Drone Warfare – The war has demonstrated the dominant role of UAVs in reconnaissance, strike missions, and counter-drone operations, influencing future U.S. force development.

10. Exposing Russian Weaknesses – The war has revealed critical vulnerabilities in Russia’s command structure, logistics, and technological capabilities, allowing for more effective counterstrategies.

11. Advancement in Ammunition Production – The need for sustained artillery production has led to improvements in mass-producing 155mm shells and other key munitions.
    
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12. Operational Testing of ISR Networks – The U.S. and NATO have integrated real-time intelligence, satellite surveillance, and battlefield data-sharing to refine modern warfare tactics. Palantir is the number one US defense partner in this realm. It’s heavily invested in Ukraine. Tomorrow's US AI based ISR Network is being trained on today’s AI models from Ukraine.

13. Strengthened U.S.-European Defense Ties – Increased cooperation between the U.S. and European allies has improved joint military readiness and interoperability.

14. Exposure of Chinese-Russian Cooperation – The war has provided insights into how China supports Russia, allowing the U.S. to anticipate future geopolitical alignments.

15. Revitalization of Defense Innovation – The conflict has accelerated research and development of loitering munitions, AI-driven targeting, and adaptive battlefield technologies. The most important development is the realization/innovation that Pentagon procurement can’t keep pace with modern war.

16-ish… While I can’t confirm this it makes sense that the US also has better access through Ukraine’s extensive intel network. US HUMINT in Russia-world will never be able to accomplish what Ukraine’s HUMINT can.

So you can see that anyone suggesting that Ukraine has run up a tab to the US taxpayer is playing politics, or ignorant. Or both.

👤 About the Author

Benjamin Cook travels to, often lives in, and works in Ukraine, a connection spanning more than 14 years. He holds an MA in International Security and Conflict Studies and has consulted with journalists on AI in drones, U.S. military technology, and related topics. He is co-founder of the NGO UAO, working in southern Ukraine. You can find Mr. Cook between Odesa, Ukraine; Charleston, South Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona.

💬 For direct inquiries or collaborations, contact: Contact me on Substack or visit my webpage at www.bpcusc.com /