The first shipments of US-manufactured weapons and ammunition to Ukraine under NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) will arrive in the coming weeks, a NATO official told European Pravda on condition of anonymity.

Launched by NATO and the United States, PURL is a new funding mechanism that allows Alliance members to finance US weapons for Ukraine. The initiative is seen as a major evolution in how Western military assistance is structured.

First packages funded by the Netherlands, Nordics

The first two PURL assistance packages were financed by:

• The Netherlands ($500 million, including Patriot missile components) – announced 4 August
• Denmark, Finland, and Sweden (jointly contributing approximately $500 million) – announced 5 August

“New aid packages are being prepared quickly and on a regular basis,” the NATO official said. “We expect the first deliveries within weeks.”

More countries expected to join

According to NATO, more countries are set to join PURL soon. At a recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group — the Ramstein-format coalition of over 50 countries — seven states expressed interest in funding US weapon purchases for Ukraine. Among them: Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and several Nordic nations.

Delivery speed and artillery supply are key concerns

One of Ukraine’s most urgent challenges is how quickly weapons can be delivered. European nations are expected to send 2 million 155mm artillery shells this year.

With Western-backed domestic production ramping up inside Ukraine, this could partially compensate for declining US munitions exports.

Patriot missiles remain critical

However, air defense is a different story. Ukraine still urgently needs US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles, which have no fast European substitute.

France and Italy have delivered SAMP/T systems, but deployment and production are slower — and questions remain about their effectiveness compared to Patriot.

Germany has pledged two more Patriot systems, but it’s unclear where additional units will come from. Other European operators of Patriots are hesitant to reduce their own air defenses.

Europe steps in as US role pauses under Trump

The PURL model emerges as the Biden-era military packages continue, but the Trump administration has not announced new aid commitments.

In July, President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte unveiled the PURL framework at a Washington meeting. While not a replacement for US government aid, it keeps American weapons flowing to Ukraine via European funding.

European countries have begun increasing their own defense production, but many are turning to US manufacturers like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to fill urgent gaps, particularly for Patriot systems and munitions.

Long-term viability of PURL in question

A central question remains: Can PURL sustain Ukraine over the long term?

At the NATO summit in The Hague, member states committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defense by 2034. Much of that increased funding is expected to cover weapons bound for Ukraine, placing long-term strategic and financial responsibility squarely on European shoulders.

Looking ahead: More clarity this fall

The next Ramstein meeting this fall may provide clarity on the scale and timeline of future deliveries. There is even consideration of holding the meeting in Ukraine — a symbolic move that would underscore NATO’s long-term support.

Meanwhile, NATO will assess costs based on Ukraine’s detailed “wish list,” which focuses heavily on air defense systems and ammunition.

The Netherlands has pledged a new round of Patriot air defense for Ukraine amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans made the announcement on 21 July during a digital meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Meanwhile, Germany has not received confirmation from the US about when it will deliver the Patriot systems Berlin needs to proceed with its own transfer to Ukraine.

Netherlands announces new Patriot air defense support

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans posted on X on 21 July that the Netherlands will “substantially contribute” to the delivery of US Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. He added that the Netherlands will also send more of its own equipment, including F-16 munitions, counter-drone systems, and radars. The Dutch Defense Ministry confirmed the same day in an official statement that the country aims to support the American initiative to bolster Ukrainian air defense.

“The Russian goal is simple: to bring steadfast Ukrainians to their knees. We must not let this happen,” he said. He stressed that sustained and large-scale support is necessary to pressure Russia toward negotiations, adding, “Only by persistently and massively supporting Ukraine and increasing the pressure on Russia can we push it to the negotiating table.”

The new commitment, being finalized in close coordination with the US, NATO, and other partners, will include additional air defense assets.

US has not confirmed Patriot replacement delivery to Germany

As the Netherlands moves forward, Germany’s planned Patriot transfer to Ukraine remains frozen due to US inaction.

Ukrinform reported on 21 July that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin has yet to receive confirmation from the US on when it will provide replacement Patriot systems. Without that timeline, Germany cannot move ahead with its contribution.

“There is a general promise from the American government to provide us, Germany and the European Union, with Patriots so we can transfer the designated systems to Ukraine. But that replacement has not actually been secured yet,” Merz stated during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Berlin, according to Ukrinform.

Merz confirmed that negotiations between Berlin and Washington are ongoing.