Netherlands to start NATO's new Ukraine weapons finance scheme with $578 million payment
Military equipment are pictured as the Dutch government presents plans to increase spending on defence to 2% of GDP in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Amersfoort, Netherlands, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo
AMSTERDAM - The Netherlands will be the first contributor to NATO's new "Priority Ukraine Requirements List" (PURL) financing mechanism for Ukraine weapons with a 500 million euros ($578 million) payment, the Dutch defence minister said on Monday.
"Ukraine needs more air defence and ammunition now. As the first NATO ally, the Netherlands will deliver a €500 million package of US weapon systems (including Patriot parts and missiles)," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement on X.
"This helps Ukraine to defend itself and the rest of Europe against Russian aggression," he added.
In a statement posted on the Dutch defence ministry website, the ministry said that other countries have also pledged financing under the new mechanism.
The defence ministry said that under the new scheme, Ukraine can draw on US military equipment stocks if these are funded by NATO allies. The United States is releasing military aid in packages worth approximately $500 million, it said, adding that the packages consist of air defence equipment, ammunition and other essential supplies tailored to Ukraine's needs.
U.S. President Donald Trump said last month the U.S. would supply weapons to Ukraine, paid for by European allies, but did not provide details on how this would work.
Reuters reported on Friday that NATO countries, Ukraine, and the U.S. were developing a new Ukraine weapons financing mechanism. REUTERS
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