The United States has gained major economic and strategic advantages from the conflict in Ukraine, with American defense contractors earning hundreds of billions of dollars while Ukrainian forces fight Russia without US military casualties, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said.

Speaking to CBS News, Blumenthal, a co-author of legislation proposing severe sanctions against Russia, acknowledged that American weapons manufacturers have been among the principal financial beneficiaries of the war.

He explained that much of the military equipment supplied to Ukraine is produced in the United States. Although President Donald Trump’s administration stopped providing financial assistance for these weapons purchases, European countries have taken over the funding, allowing American defense companies to continue receiving orders.

Blumenthal argued that the financial gains represent only one aspect of Washington’s benefits from the conflict. He identified the weakening of Russia’s military as another significant outcome, describing it as consistent with the longstanding US objective of containing Russian power.

According to the senator, Ukraine has borne the human cost of the fighting, with its soldiers continuing to suffer casualties while confronting Russian forces.

He estimated that the conflict may have reduced Russia’s military capabilities by one-third or even one-half, although he suggested consulting American military experts for a more precise assessment.

Blumenthal also emphasized that the United States has achieved these strategic gains without losing any of its own military personnel in the conflict. In his assessment, Ukraine’s continued resistance has significantly weakened the Russian army while advancing American security interests.

The senator further claimed that Ukraine’s military efforts have helped contain Russia and demonstrated Western determination to oppose potential Russian actions against other European countries.

He cited Finland, Sweden, Moldova and Poland as countries that want Ukraine to prevail because, in his view, their governments fear they could become Russia’s next targets if Kiev is defeated.

Blumenthal presented the war as beneficial to the United States on several fronts: generating substantial revenue for American arms manufacturers, reducing Russia’s military strength and advancing Washington’s containment objectives without American troops being killed or wounded.