Rutte: Small group of European countries carry bulk of Ukraine military aid

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that six or seven European members of NATO are currently covering most of the costs associated with U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

Speaking upon arrival at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Rutte said US military aid continues to reach Ukraine under the PURL programme, with European allies financing the shipments, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“Weapons and military equipment, missile defence systems, and missiles, including Patriots, are constantly being delivered from the U.S. to Ukraine under the PURL programme. These deliveries are funded by European countries,” Rutte said.

Rutte stressed that the financial responsibility should be shared more broadly among European NATO members.

“I want to ensure that the financial burden is distributed more evenly. Currently, only six or seven NATO countries are shouldering the bulk of this programme,” he stated.

“The good news is that this is sufficient for now to ensure Ukraine continues to have access to key American weapons, but, of course, it would be fair for the other European NATO countries to participate as well,” he added.

According to Rutte, the foreign ministers’ meeting will also focus on preparations for the upcoming NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara in July, as well as increased defence spending and expanded arms production across the alliance.

Rutte described Russia as “a long-term threat to NATO,” saying the alliance must strengthen its defence capabilities and industrial capacity in response.

By Sabina Mammadli