NATO leader anticipates allies will contribute billions more for US weapons

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member nations to allocate over $1 billion per month in 2026 for deliveries of US weapons to Ukraine. The funds are intended to acquire essential American military equipment, including interceptors for air-defense systems, Rutte stated upon arriving at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Wednesday.

This funding plan, known as the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), enables ammunition and weaponry produced in the United States to be sold to European NATO allies and Canada, who then transfer them to Ukraine.

The initiative was introduced earlier this year following requests from US President Donald Trump for NATO partners to contribute financially to US military assistance. Rutte confirmed that the scheme, aiming for about $1 billion monthly, is proceeding as expected, with more commitments from NATO countries anticipated.

Germany Boosts PURL Contributions

Prior to the Brussels meeting, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced an additional $200 million in support for US weapons and ammunition shipments to Ukraine. This pledge slightly exceeds the 150 million ($174.6 million) previously committed by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

Poland and Norway are expected to supplement these contributions, bringing the total funding for US weapon purchases to $500 million. Germany has already provided $500 million for weapons under PURL in 2025.

Rutte emphasized the necessity of maintaining military support for Ukraine amid ongoing US-led peace efforts to resolve the conflict with Russia. "We must ensure that while negotiations continue, Ukraine remains in the strongest position possible to defend itself and resist Russian advances," he said.

US Secretary of State Absent from NATO Meeting

The Brussels meeting, focused on backing Ukraine and enhancing NATO deterrence and defense capabilities, was marked by the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was represented by Deputy Christopher Landau. Rubio's absence at a formal NATO foreign ministers session is highly unusual.

Wadephul highlighted Russia's unwillingness to negotiate. "President Putin has not yet demonstrated any genuine interest in talks. He seeks to destabilize European security, test our defenses, and divide the alliancebut he will not succeed," he stated.

Author: Olivia Parker