Zelenskyy discusses Ukraine’s air defense needs with NATO chief
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte (GettyImages)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of meetings in New York at the UN General Assembly, according to the President.
"I had a very detailed conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the many meetings in New York during the General Assembly, focusing above all on the need for real protection against Russian strikes," Zelenskyy stated.
He noted that Ukraine has communicated to partners its urgent need for air defense systems and missiles, the availability of which could significantly influence events and limit Russia’s ability to continue the war.
Zelenskyy also said the sides discussed the implementation of the PURL program, particularly regarding air defense. The President added that Mark Rutte has already begun communication with other partners.
What is PURL
The PURL mechanism (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) is a joint US and NATO initiative aimed at accelerating the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. Under this program, Kyiv forms a list of its most urgent weapons needs and submits it to NATO allies.
Partner countries then fund the purchase of US weapons according to this list. The funds go to a special NATO account, after which the equipment is purchased directly from the United States.
On September 16, it became known that the administration of US President Donald Trump approved the first two packages of military aid to Ukraine under the PURL program.
