Will US shutdown impact arms supplies to Ukraine? Zelenskyy gives clear answer
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
The suspension of the US government’s work, or the shutdown, has not affected the delivery of American weapons to Ukraine under the PURL program, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at a joint press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
What happened before?
Since October 1, 2025, the US federal government has been in a state of partial shutdown due to the lack of an approved budget. The document was not adopted because of disputes between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding. Due to the shutdown, mass layoffs of civil servants are possible in the US, while non-essential programs have been suspended or limited.
Amid this, rumors circulated about a possible suspension of US weapons supplies to Ukraine, as well as other forms of support from Washington.
Zelenskyy was asked whether the shutdown poses a threat to arms deliveries to Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine is currently receiving American weapons under the PURL program.
"We are receiving supplies. The Americans haven't blocked anything. By the way, I know there were reports in the media about the shutdown and some challenges. They haven't blocked deliveries to Ukraine. That's important," the President emphasized.
Weapons supply program under the PURL program
Zelenskyy also assured that Ukraine purchases the necessary weapons from the United States under the PURL program, which provides for the financing of arms packages by EU countries.
The head of state said that Kyiv, in particular, is buying missiles from the US needed for air defense, including Patriot and NASAMS systems.
Zelenskyy names countries financing weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
The President also listed the countries that contribute the most to financing weapons for Ukraine: the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
"There are very responsible countries that understand the cost of this defense and the cost of life in Ukraine during the winter. First and foremost, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway — these are the main contributions that have been made. These are the main countries that provided funds for the program through which we buy scarce items available only in the US," Zelenskyy said.
The Baltic states also support Ukraine in financing arms supplies, as do several other European countries. However, their contributions are smaller compared to the allies mentioned above.
"And to be honest, we have started talking to these countries about a second round, a second stage of their contributions, because we don't see sufficient speed from others. Unfortunately. So right now, much depends on these countries," the head of the state concluded.
Ukraine may receive new weapons from the US — the Kremlin responds
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine could receive new assistance from the United States related to long-range strikes.
Media reports previously stated that during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York, Zelenskyy called for the provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said that Washington is discussing supplying such missiles to Ukraine, but the final decision must be made by President Donald Trump.
The Kremlin also reacted to the potential delivery of long-range weapons to Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin threatened Trump with a deterioration of positive trends in relations if Kyiv receives long-range Tomahawk missiles.
