The key facts

  • The US is preparing a request to NATO allies for additional funding of the PURL program; the request could come as early as November
  • The funding shortfall on already approved weapons packages is estimated at about $2 billion
  • The exact amount of the request is not yet known; the Pentagon continues deliveries without waiting for full contributions from allies

US prepares request to allies to cover a $2 billion shortfall

Washington is preparing an appeal to its NATO allies asking them to allocate additional funds for the PURL program (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List), under which European countries finance the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. This was reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions, by Bloomberg; the plans were also covered by Gazeta.Ru. The request could come as early as November, but the exact amount Washington intends to request has not yet been disclosed.

Deliveries outpace contributions

According to Bloomberg sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the program faces a funding shortfall of about $2 billion on weapons packages already approved for sale. Despite this, the US continues to supply weapons to Ukraine without waiting for full financial contributions from its allies, and the gap could grow if the Pentagon approves additional shipments. Through PURL, allies have previously financed, among other things, deliveries of air defense systems and other equipment for Ukrainian forces.

Context

On October 26, the Pentagon said that the PURL program continues to operate unchanged. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the US to unblock the delivery of Patriot missiles. According to Bloomberg, the new funding request shows that US military support for Ukraine continues despite political friction between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.