Ten European NATO allies join effort to buy US weapons for Ukraine
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Ten additional European NATO allies have joined a new initiative designed to boost military support for Ukraine amid a growing shortage of weapons. The scheme, known as the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), allows European allies to collectively purchase in-demand US-made weapons systems — such as Patriot interceptors — which are then transferred directly to Ukraine.
The move was announced during a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, as Western military aid to Kyiv continues to decline. According to data from Germany’s Kiel Institute, which tracks international support to Ukraine, military assistance from Western nations fell by 43% in July and August compared to the first half of the year.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the initiative as vital to maintaining Ukraine’s defence capacity, noting that certain advanced systems “only the US can provide”. PURL, he said, enables European and Canadian allies to fund these crucial supplies collectively, ensuring faster and more reliable deliveries.
Before Wednesday’s meeting, only six nations — the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada and Germany had joined the initiative. Following pressure from NATO leadership and Washington, ten more allies signed on, strengthening Europe’s role in financing Ukraine’s defence.
The PURL scheme marks a new step in shifting responsibility for Ukraine’s long-term security from Washington towards Europe and Canada, reflecting NATO’s determination to sustain military aid despite global supply constraints.
