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More than a dozen NATO allies have pledged support for a U.S. weapons supply program for Ukraine, tripling initial commitments as the war-torn nation braces for what its defense minister calls a "very harsh and difficult" winter.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced Wednesday that 16 to 17 countries now back the Priority Urgent Requirements List (PURL) program, which channels American weapons and equipment to Ukrainian forces. The figure represents a significant increase from the six nations—the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Norway and Denmark—that had committed support before a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian Defense Minister Denis Shmyhal after the gathering, Rutte said all 19 countries that addressed the meeting pledged assistance to Ukraine either through PURL or alternative means.
"I think today was a very good day, but there is still a lot of work to do because we have to get you through the winter," Rutte said. "We must make it clear to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin that he can never win this and that we will continue to support you, and I think that's the message that emerged today."
The PURL program has become critical for Ukraine's defense as most air defense missiles and interceptors in Europe are sourced from the United States. Shmyhal emphasized the program's importance, stating there is "no other option" but to work through PURL.
"Europe is ensuring Ukraine's survival by funding U.S. weapons and equipment under PURL," Shmyhal said, adding that Ukrainian forces are preparing for the challenging winter months ahead.
Ukraine has focused its requests on interceptor drones, first-person-view drones and long-range artillery ammunition. Shmyhal invited partners to review their stockpiles for such equipment.
The defense minister briefed allied nations on the battlefield situation and described the meeting as having gone "very well."
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