Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says Kyiv has received firm assurances from Washington that military aid allocated under a key support program will not be redirected away from Ukraine, despite mounting instability in the Middle East.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of speculation that escalating conflict in the Middle East could compete with Ukraine for Western military resources. Sybiha sought to dispel those concerns, emphasizing that the assurances from Washington were both public and unequivocal.
Washington's commitment, raised in the room
In an interview with Ukrinform following the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France, Sybiha said the issue was raised directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the presence of other international partners.
According to Sybiha, the United States made it clear that no weapons provided under the PURL program – which channels funding and equipment for Ukraine’s defence needs – have been reassigned to other regions.
“Nothing has been redirected,” he said, adding that there are also no current plans to do so.
He further noted that the program is not only continuing but expanding. Another country is expected to join PURL and contribute funding, which Kyiv sees as a signal that international support – particularly for strengthening Ukraine’s air defence – remains steady.
Russia as the primary obstacle, despite tactical differences
Beyond the issue of aid, Sybiha said discussions at the G7 meeting underscored continued alignment among partners on the need to maintain pressure on Russia.
While acknowledging that views can differ on tactics, he said there was broad agreement that Moscow remains the primary obstacle to ending the war and that sustained pressure is necessary.
Russia's potential to exploit shifting global attention
The minister also touched on the wider geopolitical context, noting that developments in the Middle East were discussed at length. He warned that Russia could attempt to exploit rising energy prices or shifting global attention, but stressed that partners are aware of these risks.
Overall, Sybiha’s message to Ukrinform was that, despite global uncertainties, Ukraine remains firmly on the international agenda – and that critical military assistance from the United States is continuing without disruption.
