Influential NATO country joins efforts to arm Ukraine with American weapons
Photo: John Healey, UK Defense Secretary (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The UK has provided a funding package to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, joining the PURL initiative, British Defense Secretary John Healey said, according to Politico.
Read also: Top 3 countries leading US arms purchases for Ukraine, according to Whitaker
"I’m pleased to confirm the UK is committing £150 million (approximately $205 million - ed.) to PURL. Together, we must provide Ukraine with the critical air defense it needs in response to Putin’s brutal onslaught," Healey stated.
Two unnamed NATO diplomats said three-quarters of the alliance’s 32 members have now committed to the scheme. Australia and New Zealand have also joined, while Japan is expected to announce non-lethal aid.
About the PURL program
The PURL program (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) was launched in the summer of 2025 as a mechanism to continue supplying American weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Its key feature is that if direct US military aid stops, Washington agrees to sell its weapons and technologies, but the payment is covered by NATO allies and partner countries. Priority purchases include critical air defense systems and associated missiles.
Last year, Western partners allocated around $5 billion to the PURL program. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently expressed confidence that this year, alliance countries will be able to raise $15 billion for Ukraine.
Previously, Rutte urged NATO countries to commit at least $1 billion per month for weapons for Ukraine.
