The EU is concerned about the future of the PURL program due to tensions surrounding U.S. arms stockpiles, according to the Washington Post
The United States’ European allies are increasingly concerned about the stability of the PURL program, which facilitates the delivery of American weapons to Ukraine at the expense of European countries. The cause for concern is the U.S. war against Iran, which, according to diplomats, is depleting American military stocks.
The Washington Post reports this, citing diplomats and officials.
The “Priority Ukraine Requirements List” (PURL) initiative was launched by NATO last summer. Its essence is that European countries pay for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine.
However, as the publication’s sources note, delays in deliveries are occurring due to the U.S. military campaign against Iran. The reason is the active use of American weapons in operations alongside Israel, which is rapidly depleting the Pentagon’s stockpiles.
According to officials, the Donald Trump administration has not transferred the weapons already promised to Ukraine since the start of the war against Iran. At the same time, there are concerns in Europe that the weapons shortage in the U.S. could also affect the fulfillment of commitments to Ukraine.
Some European capitals have already begun to take a more cautious approach to new contributions to the program.
“Europeans are hesitant because, as the war in Iran drags on, mistrust and uncertainty are growing about what will happen to the funds. Contributions have been coming in, but they have been few,” noted one European official.
According to NATO, member countries have already allocated over $5.5 billion to the PURL. Among the latest donors are Norway and Canada.
At the same time, some partners have expressed doubts about how exactly the Pentagon is managing the program’s funds. In March, the U.S. Department of Defense informed Congress of its intention to use $750 million from the PURL to replenish its own stockpiles.
Despite this, NATO representatives assure that arms deliveries to Ukraine are continuing:
“According to an Alliance representative, countries continue to make contributions, and the weapons paid for by allies make a real difference on the battlefield.”
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 to procure 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.
