Rutte announced how much American weaponry the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive this year and what the plans are for 2026
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that weapons deliveries to Ukraine from the United States are proceeding according to schedule, with $4 billion already allocated through the end of 2024, reports Evropeyska Pravda.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Alliance's ministerial meeting, Rutte explained the program's timeline. "We started in August and at this time we planned to have $4 billion, that is, a billion per month. And we have 4 billion," he said.
The Secretary General expressed cautious optimism about receiving an additional billion dollars in December. "I have cautious optimism that in December we will also accomplish this," Rutte noted.
This would bring total US weapons procurement funding to $5 billion for 2025. Beyond that, Rutte is counting on another $12 billion next year, meaning the PURL program—designed for these purchases—would continue.
"For 2026 we expect that we will have at least 1 billion per year," the Secretary General announced.
Rutte emphasized that the program's continuation depends on NATO member states and partners allocating sufficient funds. He noted that "about two-thirds of the Alliance are participating in PURL," though he did not specify the exact number. According to Evropeyska Pravda, the actual count is somewhat lower.
Ukraine's Ambassador to NATO also expects an additional 1 billion euros for PURL this year.
The day before, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed strengthening Ukrainian air defense with the Secretary General, the report states.
In total, Rutte expects delivery of weapons worth at least $17 billion to Ukraine's Armed Forces through the US procurement program.
