North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have already purchased lethal and defensive weapons for Ukraine from the United States (US) for $2 billion.
Speaking on September 2, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the weapons are part of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
It is critical to help Ukraine defend itself. We have, in a few weeks, already been able to channel two billion dollars of vital, lethal, sometimes lethal, sometimes also more defensive systems into Ukraine through this new program.
Rutte said NATO’s support for Ukraine is becoming stronger, and the weapons are being delivered directly from the US.
Additionally, Rutte said NATO allies raised the funds to purchase the weapons.
NATO’s steadfast support for Ukraine is only growing stronger. You already mentioned that we are delivering essential US weapons directly to Ukraine with funding secured from NATO Allies. Thank you so much for the announcement to participate in that program.
NATO Countries Asked to Contribute
Rutte urged all NATO allies to contribute to the program and other initiatives, like investing in the Ukrainian defence industry and the Czech ammunition initiative.
He affirmed that ending the war in Ukraine is a top priority for President Donald Trump.
Also Read: Not Dead Yet: Trump Breaks Silence After Days of Health Speculation
Trump Effect
Rutte said Trump has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin since February and recently reaffirmed US support for Ukraine’s security guarantees.
“Let me say that when it comes to Ukraine, President Trump has made ending this brutal war a top priority. He broke the deadlock with Putin from February onwards, sitting down in phone calls with him, but also recently, a couple of weeks ago, pledging US involvement in Ukraine, security guarantees,” he said.
Further, Rutte announced that NATO allies met in Washington two weeks ago with Trump and many European leaders to support him in advancing peace and security after so much suffering.
He added that they also commended Trump for taking a leadership role, particularly in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.”
Also Read: Volodymyr Zelensky Announces Killing of 290,000 Russian Soldiers
Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
Rutte said there is a lot of work going on so that when Ukraine heads into the bilateral talks or trilateral talks, they do so with unbreakable backing.
He emphasized that NATO ensure that Russia honours whatever deal is agreed and will never threaten Ukrainian territory again after a deal.
He explained that Ukraine needs its own strong-armed forces that will be the first layer for peace to last.
Rutte stated that a strong Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Ukrainian military, and NATO are necessary to help build up a future force after a long-term ceasefire or a peace deal.
But lasting peace also requires this second layer, and that is what we now call security guarantees from Ukraine’s friends and partners. The US, Europe, and others are defining them now, as you know, we are sitting together in many formats.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
