In a significant move to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Finland and Sweden, NATO’s newest members, announced on Wednesday their decision to purchase additional U.S. weapons for Ukraine. This comes as recent data reveals a sharp decline in foreign military aid to the war-torn nation over the past few months. The initiative aligns with NATO’s efforts to coordinate regular deliveries of substantial weapons packages, each valued at approximately $500 million, to help Ukraine counter Russia’s ongoing aggression. However, European arsenals have nearly exhausted their spare weapons stocks, prompting NATO diplomats to highlight the United States’ $10-$12 billion worth of arms, air defense systems, and ammunition available for Ukraine’s use. Under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), European allies and Canada are procuring American weapons to assist Kyiv in repelling Russian forces, with $2 billion already allocated. Finland’s Defense Minister, Antti Häkkänen, emphasized the urgency of providing critical U.S. weapons to Ukraine, while Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pål Jonson, expressed readiness to increase support. Both nations, alongside Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are exploring additional contributions. Despite these efforts, Western military aid to Ukraine has plummeted by 43% in July and August compared to the first half of the year, according to Germany’s Kiel Institute. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte downplayed concerns, stating that support levels remain consistent with the previous year. However, criticism has grown over France, Italy, and Spain’s insufficient contributions, with Häkkänen urging all 32 NATO allies to shoulder their fair share of the burden. France, grappling with debt, has opted out of PURL, advocating for European defense industry investments instead.
NATO’s newest members offer to buy more US arms for Ukraine as Western backing declines
