Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have jointly pledged $500 million toward a NATO initiative fast-tracking U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine. The Scandinavian trio's contribution highlights intensifying coordination with Washington as Kyiv braces for a tough winter and NATO seeks to close the gap in critical battlefield supplies.
The defense ministers of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark jointly announced the $500 million package on Tuesday, part of a broader program known as the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). The mechanism, introduced last month by U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, facilitates the purchase of U.S. weapons by European allies on Ukraine's behalf.
"Speed is absolutely critical," said Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, emphasizing that Denmark's $90 million share would be made available immediately. Norway will contribute approximately 1.5 billion Norwegian crowns ($146 million), while Sweden will cover the remaining $275 million.
The new package includes critical air defense systems, notably U.S.-made Patriot missile components, along with anti-tank weaponry, spare parts, and ammunition. According to Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, "This kind of American materiel is decisive. Europe doesn't produce it at the necessary scale, and Ukraine needs it now."The urgency of the initiative was echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who praised the plan as a "very strong initiative that significantly boosts our ability to protect lives." He added that the move "sets a new, real foundation for long-term security across Europe."
On social media, Zelensky thanked the Nordic countries and confirmed a recent call with President Trump to discuss expanding bilateral defense cooperation and enforcing sanctions against Russia. While details of the call remain limited, Ukrainian officials have described the initiative as a turning point in Europe's military backing. The PURL mechanism allows for U.S. weapons to be shipped from American stockpiles in tranches of $500 million. The Netherlands became the first country to contribute to the plan on Monday, pledging €500 million ($577 million) in support.
"The more Russia dominates Ukraine, the greater the danger to the Netherlands and our NATO allies," Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans posted on X. "This is not only about Ukraine. It's about our collective security." NATO's Rutte welcomed the fast-moving efforts, describing the Nordic commitment as "a clear signal of resolve and solidarity."
