The war in Ukraine, initiated by Russia’s invasion in 2022, has become a focal point of global geopolitics. Yet, the United States, despite its vocal support for Ukraine, appears unwilling to bring the conflict to a resolution. Beneath the surface lies a web of political, economic, and industrial motivations that make peace undesirable for certain American interests.
Economic Repercussions: Avoiding Recession at All Costs
One of the most pressing reasons the USA resists ending the conflict is economic. A prolonged war fuels sectors critical to the American economy, including defense, steel, medical supplies, and logistics. These industries are thriving as the U.S. continues to supply Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid. If the war were to end, the abrupt halt in production could destabilize these industries, risking layoffs and economic contraction. In a fragile post-pandemic recovery, this could easily tip the nation into recession—a scenario any administration would want to avoid, especially with upcoming elections.
Trump’s Stance: A War Hawk in Disguise
Donald Trump, who famously pulled U.S. troops out of Syria and Afghanistan, has publicly claimed he would end the Ukraine war “in 24 hours” if re-elected. However, his record reveals a more complex picture. During his presidency, Trump significantly increased military spending and maintained a hawkish stance toward Russia through sanctions and NATO support. His recent statements lack specifics and raise questions about whether his administration would genuinely pursue peace or merely shift the narrative while maintaining economic advantages derived from conflict.
The Industrial War Machine: Who Really Profits?
The American war industry—comprising companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics—is one of the largest beneficiaries of prolonged conflict. Since the start of the Ukraine war, defense contractors have seen record profits, buoyed by contracts for weapons like HIMARS rocket systems, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and Patriot air defense systems.
But the ripple effects extend beyond weapons manufacturers:
- Steel Industry: Increased demand for military vehicles, weapons, and infrastructure supplies has bolstered the steel industry. American companies supplying raw materials are experiencing a boom, with no incentive to see it end.
- Gunpowder and Ammunition: The war has drained global ammunition reserves, forcing nations to ramp up production. U.S. companies dominate this market, reaping enormous profits as NATO allies scramble to replenish stockpiles.
- Medical Industry: Wars generate a steady demand for medical supplies and innovation. From battlefield trauma care to prosthetics for injured soldiers, the U.S. medical industry profits indirectly through government contracts and technological advancements.
- Energy Companies: The war has disrupted energy markets, leading Europe to reduce dependence on Russian gas. American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters have stepped in, capitalizing on the crisis by selling gas to European countries at premium prices.
Politicians’ Lies and Russia’s Peace Talks
A narrative propagated by U.S. politicians is that Russia refuses to engage in meaningful peace talks. However, leaked reports from international diplomats suggest otherwise. Multiple attempts at negotiation—including Turkey-hosted talks in early 2022—were reportedly scuttled by Western nations, who pressured Ukraine to hold firm rather than seek compromise.
The reason? Peace would undermine the very industries and political strategies benefitting from continued hostilities. Moreover, the U.S. risks losing its geopolitical leverage over Europe. By positioning itself as Ukraine’s primary benefactor, the U.S. has strengthened NATO alliances and cemented its influence over European policy.
Historical Parallels: Lessons from the Middle East
The United States’ reluctance to end the Ukraine war mirrors its involvement in past conflicts. In Iraq and Afghanistan, initial justifications for intervention were often overshadowed by economic and industrial motives. The defense sector flourished, while reconstruction efforts created lucrative opportunities for American contractors.
Even when public opinion turned against these wars, the U.S. government continued to find reasons to delay withdrawal, citing concerns about regional stability and national security. Similar tactics are now being deployed in Ukraine, where the narrative of “supporting democracy” masks deeper economic interests.
The Bigger Picture: Global Hegemony
Beyond immediate economic benefits, the Ukraine war allows the U.S. to weaken Russia—a major geopolitical rival—without direct military engagement. Prolonging the war serves as a strategic tool to drain Russian resources, isolate it diplomatically, and reinforce American dominance on the global stage. However, this comes at a steep cost: prolonged suffering for Ukrainian civilians and the risk of escalating into a broader conflict.
A War That Won’t End
The war in Ukraine is not just a battleground for territorial disputes but a theater for global power plays and industrial gain. The United States’ reluctance to end the conflict stems from a combination of economic dependency, industrial interests, and geopolitical strategy.
As long as these factors remain, peace will remain elusive—not because it’s unattainable, but because it’s inconvenient for those who stand to profit. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward demanding accountability and advocating for genuine efforts to end the suffering of the Ukrainian people.