Norway, Germany, Netherlands, and Canada to finance weapons for Ukraine
Photo: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Getty Images)
Norway will transfer another €500 million for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine through the PURL program, as the fate of Europe is at stake. Norway has been joined by Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada, according to Sky News.
"Europe's destiny is on the line. We all want this war to end, and we welcome peace efforts, but it's imperative that the outcome is a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," Foreign Minister of Norway Espen Barth Eide tells reporters after a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.
Eide adds that the form of a peace agreement in Ukraine will affect Ukraine's security, so the Alliance must promote an agreement that is beneficial to Kyiv and European countries. Norway will also allocate another €500 million for the purchase of US-made weapons (PURL) for Ukraine.
In addition to Norway, Canada and the Netherlands have announced new funding packages. In particular, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced a new contribution of $200 million to the PURL program. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said his country's contribution would be €250 million. All of this money will be spent on weapons for Ukraine.
Germany will also provide Ukraine with $200 million to purchase US-made weapons (PURL), German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul says.
He says the federal government is very proud that, together with their friends in Poland and Norway, they can put together another large package that is necessary to support Ukraine. $500 million is a significant amount, $200 million of which is being provided by Germany, he adds.
According to Wadepful, providing Kyiv with new aid packages symbolizes NATO's readiness to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine, as Russia is currently completely unwilling to engage in real and serious peace talks.
On December 3, Ukraine appealed to its European allies to provide an additional €1 billion for weapons by the end of the year. This is critically important amid intensifying Russian airstrikes and growing pressure on the front lines.
PURL program
The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List is a US and NATO program that allows Ukraine to receive American weapons at the expense of Alliance member countries. Ukraine compiles a list of priority weapons needs, and the allies jointly pay for the purchase of the necessary equipment from the US.
The PURL mechanism speeds up the delivery of weapons because purchases are made from existing US stocks without additional delays. The program also allows for the rational use of resources by focusing on what Ukraine needs most right now.
