The Two Pacific allies are strengthening Ukraine’s defenses with major new military packages and by formally joining a key NATO–US initiative, according to statements from Ukrainian officials and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Australia and New Zealand will now contribute to the PURL weapons supply mechanism, adding more than $70 million in combined aid.
This comes amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, after the US under President Donald Trump halted military aid for Ukraine and switched to selling weapons. While Ukraine has been boosting its weapons development and production, its allies continue to supply equipment and fund the purchase of US weapons.
Australia and New Zealand join NATO–US PURL weapons supply initiative
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced on 3 December that Australia and New Zealand would become the first NATO partners to join the PURL initiative — the prioritized Ukraine requirement list used to deliver lethal and non-lethal US capabilities. Speaking after the Ukraine–NATO Council meeting, Rutte said their contributions, alongside new pledges from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland, helped push total commitments to over $4 billion so far.
“Our support is making a real difference on the ground,” said Rutte, highlighting the crucial role of air defense deliveries and the need to continue the flow of weapons into 2026.
He described Australia and New Zealand’s decision to join as “truly great news” and emphasized that burden-sharing for Ukraine aid had improved in recent weeks.
$63 million military package from Australia includes air defense and drone support
Australia’s military support for Ukraine totals AUD 95 million ($63 million), Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said on Facebook. This includes AUD 50 million for the PURL mechanism, AUD 2 million for the international Drone Coalition, and AUD 43 million in military hardware. The equipment package contains tactical air-defense radar systems, munitions, and combat engineering assets.
Myroshnychenko thanked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy.
“This is a true demonstration of Aussie mateship. We will never forget your support,” he wrote.
New Zealand pledges $8.7 million and joins PURL effort
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defense Minister Judith Collins announced a NZD 15 million ($8.7 million) contribution to the PURL initiative. According to Ambassador Myroshnychenko, this marks a major step from a country 17,000 kilometers away from the battlefield.
“New Zealand’s regional security depends on our joint efforts as democratic nations to ensure Russia’s failure in Ukraine,” he wrote.
The ambassador also expressed gratitude to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and reiterated Ukraine’s appreciation for the solidarity shown from across the Indo-Pacific.
Over $4 billion already pledged to PURL in 2025
According to Rutte, the PURL initiative — funded by NATO allies and now partners — aims to keep a consistent flow of weapons and equipment into Ukraine, especially as the war continues into another winter. With over two-thirds of NATO members already on board, the addition of Australia and New Zealand broadens the geographic scope of the coalition supporting Ukraine’s defense.
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