Ukraine expects its international partners to allocate at least $1 billion monthly through the PURL initiative for purchasing American weapons via NATO, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in his evening video address.
The PURL initiative represents a coordinated effort by NATO allies to streamline weapons procurement for Ukraine through American defense manufacturers, creating a sustainable monthly funding mechanism for the country's ongoing defense needs.
The Ukrainian leader thanked partners who joined the program this month, describing it as "a special program that allows buying necessary weapons for Ukraine's Defense Forces – buying in America." NATO coordinates the initiative, which has already accumulated over $2 billion in commitments.
Seven countries joined PURL in August: the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, and Latvia.
The president specified that these funds purchase highly effective weapons including Patriot missiles, HIMARS systems, and other defense equipment needed to protect Ukrainian cities.
The program gained significant momentum throughout August. The Netherlands announced its participation on 4 August, followed by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden on 5 August, with their combined assistance exceeding $1 billion at that time. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on 22 August that the NATO mechanism had attracted approximately $1.5 billion in military aid. Canada pledged $500 million to the program on 24 August.
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