Ukraine’s European allies are lining as much as reap the benefits of a brand new NATO program to pay the U.S. for weapons that may be despatched to Ukraine to struggle off Russia.
The Netherlands pledged €500 million, the Dutch protection ministry introduced Monday.
Following the Dutch announcement, Denmark, Sweden and Norway on Tuesday introduced a joint bundle to help the NATO initiative. The three Scandinavian nations pledged a complete of $500 million, with Sweden contributing $275 million, Denmark $90 million and Norway $146 million.
“We welcome the U.S. determination to offer Ukraine with tools, together with ammunition for the Patriot air protection system, and we help NATO’s coordination of this effort,” Swedish Protection Minister Pål Jonson mentioned.
“Pace is totally essential. That’s the reason we’ll make our contribution out there instantly,” Danish Protection Minister Troels Lund Poulsen mentioned, including that if Kyiv reveals “a necessity for added funding at a later date,” Copenhagen is keen to look into that as effectively.
The initiatives comply with an settlement made final month on the White Home between NATO Secretary-Normal Mark Rutte and U.S. President Donald Trump, establishing the Prioritized Ukraine Necessities Checklist the place NATO allies buy army tools from U.S. reserves for Kyiv.
The Netherlands was the primary nation to comply with by means of on the deal.
Rutte mentioned “additional vital bulletins from different Allies” are anticipated.
The Dutch bundle consists of air protection tools, ammunition and different important provides “tailor-made to Ukraine’s wants.”
“American air protection methods and munitions, specifically, are essential for Ukraine’s protection. Solely by resolutely persevering with to help Ukraine can we enhance strain on Russia and counter Russian aggression,” mentioned Dutch Protection Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
The primary two Dutch help packages are anticipated to be delivered this month, with new shipments of kit to comply with each two to 3 weeks.
NATO has said that the packages shall be ready “quickly and issued regularly” by means of the NATO Safety Help and Coaching for Ukraine command in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Rutte for his or her dedication to the initiative.
This text has been up to date.