Netherlands to be the first country to provide US weapon systems to Ukraine via NATO

The Netherlands will be the first NATO ally to utilize the new mechanism established in line with US President Donald Trump's announcement last month that the US would provide weapons to Ukraine, to be financed by European allies. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated on social media, "The Netherlands will deliver a 500 million euro package consisting of US weapon systems (including Patriot parts and missiles)."

"I EXPECT IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS"

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who previously served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands, welcomed the announcement and called on other NATO allies to join the new mechanism, referred to as the "Priority Urgent Requirements List" (PURL) for Ukraine. Rutte said, "This is a matter of delivering to Ukraine the equipment it urgently needs to defend itself against Russian aggression. The goal of the support provided by all NATO allies to Ukraine is to support President Trump's peace efforts and ensure that this war ends in a fair and lasting way. I have written a letter to all NATO allies and called on them to contribute to this burden-sharing initiative. I expect important announcements from other allies soon."

"WE ARE MOVING FAST"

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said in a statement that he expects many countries to announce their participation in this initiative in the coming weeks. Speaking at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Whitaker said, "We are moving as fast as we can."

When asked when the US equipment would reach Ukraine, Whitaker replied that it would be done quite quickly, within the coming weeks or even sooner. Whitaker added, "The Dutch are the first of many countries. You will see a series of announcements in the coming weeks."

"ALL OF EUROPE WILL BE BETTER PROTECTED FROM RUSSIAN TERROR"

The announcement from the Netherlands was also welcomed by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on social media, "Thanks to this, Ukraine, and therefore all of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror."

Zelenskyy added, "We are sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their contributions to strengthening Ukraine's air defense shield."

The coordination of the new mechanism, which will be financed by European allies and Canada, will be undertaken by NATO. According to a statement by NATO, the deliveries, which will be divided into packages worth approximately 500 million dollars, will be shaped according to Ukraine's needs.