Ukraine to Receive 5 Billion in Weapons Through NATO PURL Program by Year’s End

Ukraine is set to receive roughly 5 billion in weapons and military equipment by the end of 2025 through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List program, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska said in a December 12 interview with Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne. The deliveries will focus on air defense systems, ammunition and critical spare parts, with logistics operating around the clock via hubs in Poland and Romania.

What the PURL Program Is

The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism was established in mid-2025 to help coordinate arms transfers to Ukraine from U.S. military stockpiles, funded by NATO members and partner countries. Under PURL, Ukraine identifies its most urgent requirements, and participating nations fund the purchase of weapons from U.S. reserves. Once funds are committed, the U.S. ships the equipment to buying countries, which then transfer it to Ukraine.

The initiative became operational after a shift in U.S. policy in 2025, when direct U.S. military aid to Kyiv was paused. NATO allies stepped in to fill the gap by pooling funds to buy U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine under PURL. More than 20 countries have joined the program, including non-NATO partners Australia and New Zealand.

Weapons and Equipment Focus

NATO and partner nations are directing PURL funding toward items Ukrainian forces urgently need on the battlefield. The largest share of the 5 billion in planned deliveries will be air defense systems, ammunition and essential spare parts. According to Šekerinska, the bulk of air defense equipment reaching Ukraine is coming through PURL, and that capability remains a top priority as Russian forces continue sustained attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and population centers.

PURL deliveries are coordinated through established logistics hubs in Poland and Romania, where equipment from U.S. stockpiles is sorted and forwarded to Ukraine. European allies and Canada provide most of the funding for these packages, with contributions from other partners as well.

Scale and Participation

Several NATO members have announced specific PURL contributions this year. Northern European and Baltic allies agreed to fund a joint 500 million package of U.S.-sourced equipment for Ukraine. Other groups of countries have pledged similar amounts to support air defense and munitions deliveries through the initiative.

These combined efforts reflect a broader trend of allied collaboration on Ukraine’s defense needs. By early December, partner countries had contributed more than 4 billion in equipment and munitions procurement under PURL, with more pledges expected before year’s end.

Logistics and Operations

NATO officials say the PURL logistics network operates continuously to keep supplies flowing. Equipment moves from U.S. military stockpiles to forward hubs in Europe, then onward to frontline units in Ukraine. The system is designed for speed and flexibility, though it depends on partner funding and the pace of U.S. production and replenishment of stockpiles.

The emphasis on air defense reflects persistent threats from Russian missile and drone strikes, particularly against critical infrastructure. NATO and partners have acknowledged that Ukraine still needs additional systems and ammunition beyond the current 5 billion plan, prompting calls to sustain and expand production.

Context and Strategic Importance

The PURL program supplements other allied aid mechanisms and underscores broader Western support for Ukraine’s defense. It represents an innovative way to deliver U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine while sharing financial responsibility among NATO and partner countries.

As the conflict continues into its fourth year, air defense remains a key priority for Kyiv. Allied support through PURL aims to help Ukraine protect its territory and population against aerial threats, and to sustain frontline operations.

What’s Next

With the end of 2025 approaching, NATO officials expect the final PURL deliveries to meet the 5 billion target. Beyond that, members are discussing future contributions and mechanisms to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense needs into 2026 and beyond, including ramping up allied production of air defense systems and munitions.