Hegset spoke about the progress of the PURL initiative and its contribution to laying the groundwork for peace in Ukraine
The U.S.- and NATO-led PURL initiative, which allows European allies to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, demonstrates progress and helps lay the groundwork for future peace.
He made the statement ahead of the NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels on June 18.
According to Hegset, the mechanism is already yielding positive results.
“There is also progress regarding Ukraine. Thanks to President Trump’s PURL initiative, allies have taken a leading role in financing support for Ukraine’s defense. Ukrainians are holding their ground even in the face of sustained Russian attacks,” he said.
The minister emphasized that the U.S. had expected precisely this turn of events—with allies taking the lead in funding defense assistance to Ukraine.
Hegset stressed that this model of cooperation aligns with Washington’s strategy.
“We were convinced that this was possible, that our allies could lead the process, and that it would be coordinated with Ukraine’s defense. This is happening,” the Pentagon chief noted.
According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the implementation of the PURL initiative validates the U.S. administration’s approach.
“This is a confirmation of President Trump’s approach, an approach that will lay the foundation for peace,” Hegset emphasized.
The PURL initiative provides for European partners to finance the purchase of weapons from the U.S. for Ukraine’s needs, which allows for the faster provision of critically important weapons systems and ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset made this statement ahead of the NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
As a reminder, Sweden is allocating $108 million to support the PURL initiative, under which Ukrainian partners procure U.S. weapons for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As a reminder, on Wednesday, May 6, Norway announced it would provide Ukraine with 2.8 billion Norwegian kroner (over $300 million) as part of NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative for the procurement of U.S. weapons.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an expansion of international support under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. During the European Union summit in Cyprus, three countries joined the program, though their names have not been disclosed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which the parties discussed the implementation of the PURL program and further efforts to secure support from partners.
