Netherlands Leads NATO in First US Arms Purchase for Ukraine

The Netherlands is the first NATO country to buy US weapons for Ukraine under a new funding plan, spending €500 million on Patriot missile parts and other systems. The move aims to support Ukraine and pressure Russia, with NATO coordinating the deliveries.

The Dutch Defense Ministry has announced that it will become the first country to purchase US-made weapons for Ukraine through a newly established NATO funding mechanism.

This initiative allows NATO member states to finance US defense equipment and munitions, which are then delivered to Ukraine. Although several NATO allies have pledged to take part, the Netherlands is the first to officially commit funds under this framework.

The announcement comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. On Tuesday, at least three people were reportedly killed in strikes in eastern Ukraine.

The Netherlands stated that it will be purchasing US arms worth €500 million ($577 million). The military aid package includes parts for US Patriot missile systems and other equipment designed to support Ukrainian forces on the frontlines.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said the Netherlands is now taking the lead in supplying military assistance to Ukraine under the new scheme. He emphasized that steadfast support for Ukraine would increase pressure on Russia to enter negotiations.

“By supporting Ukraine with determination, we are increasing the pressure on Russia to negotiate,” Brekelmans posted on X.

He further warned that Russian territorial gains in Ukraine could pose a broader threat to European security. “The more Russia dominates Ukraine, the greater the danger to the Netherlands and our NATO allies,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the Dutch support, thanking Prime Minister Dick Schoof for the contribution. “This will definitely help protect the lives of our people!” Zelenskyy said.

The newly introduced Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL, was announced last month by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Trump had previously threatened to cut back military aid to Ukraine, under pressure from members of his Republican Party. He later agreed to continue the support, but only on the condition that other NATO members share the financial responsibility.

Although Trump did not provide detailed information on how the mechanism would function, NATO stated that it would oversee coordination of the deliveries and ensure that they align with Ukraine’s operational needs.