NATO chief urges EU lawmakers to push air defense deliveries to Ukraine
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on European lawmakers to pressure their governments to speed up the delivery of missiles for Ukraine's air defense systems.
Rutte emphasizes the importance of the PURL program, through which American missiles are purchased for Ukraine's air defense systems. He adds that current supplies are insufficient to protect the lives of civilians in Ukraine, as Russian attacks are intensifying.
"You know which countries in this room. And I could discreetly inform you, but not in the open session, who are sitting on large piles of interceptors. So, wherever you can help to put some pressure on your governments to do that," he says.
Rutte adds that some countries are already doing this. But the current pace of deliveries is very slow.
"But there's still more to do, because this is the difference between life and death," he concludes.
The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) is a program that provides for the purchase and supply of American weapons to Ukraine. It is paid for by European partners. As of today, over 20 countries have joined the PURL initiative.
As Ukraine's Ambassador to NATO, Alyona Getmanchuk, told RBC-Ukraine, Ukraine will need US weapons worth $15 billion under the PURL in 2026 alone. First and foremost, these are air defense systems and ammunition for them.
As of today, over 80% of military aid to Ukraine is supplied through NATO. Among other things, Ukraine receives about 75% of missiles for Patriot systems and more than 90% of missiles for other air defense systems through the PURL program.
