Zelenskyy announces new defense agreements: Focus on aviation and air defense
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rustem Umerov (Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO) Secretary Rustem Umerov and outlined key priorities in the defense sector, according to the Telegram of the head of state.
The head of state emphasized that Ukraine is preparing new defense agreements to strengthen combat aviation and build a robust Air Force for the country’s long-term security.
"It is important that all our state institutions and components of the Defense Forces involved in the preparation and implementation of the agreement are properly coordinated," Zelenskyy wrote.
The president also noted that meetings with European leaders and partners from the coalition of countries assisting Ukraine will take place this week. According to him, each partner must clearly understand how they can support Ukraine most effectively at this time.
Among the key issues, he mentioned the needs for air defense, replenishment of defense packages, expansion of the PURL program, provision of equipment for energy sector restoration, and coordination in strengthening sanctions.
In addition, the meeting addressed the agenda of upcoming sessions of the Headquarters and the needs of the defense industry.
"We are working in detail on the needs of our defense industry. To ensure these needs are met as fully as possible, the RNBO apparatus will undergo a transformation," he stated.
The president stressed that the proportion of the front supplied with Ukrainian weapons by the end of the year should be at least 50%, and this task must be completed.
PURL Program
PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) is a joint US and NATO initiative aimed at supplying Ukraine with weapons. Under this program, a list of the Armed Forces’ priority needs is compiled and shared with partner countries.
After the list is approved, allies allocate funding to purchase US weapons according to Ukraine’s requests. The funds are deposited into a special NATO trust account, while the actual delivery of weapons is organized directly by the US.
On October 15, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that 17 Alliance countries had expressed readiness to join the PURL program. However, since its launch, only six countries have actually transferred funds for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine.
