Europe Buys $1 Billion in U.S. Weapons for Ukraine Under New Trump-NATO Initiative
by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – In a major shift from the Biden-era approach to arming Ukraine, four European nations have announced the purchase of $1 billion worth of U.S. weapons under a new NATO-led initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The Netherlands, along with a Scandinavian bloc composed of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, confirmed the arms deals this week, marking the first tranche of support under the newly launched Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). The purchases are drawn directly from U.S. stockpiles and are aimed at meeting Kyiv’s urgent battlefield needs.
“This is about getting Ukraine the equipment it urgently needs now to defend itself against Russian aggression,” said Rutte, following a July 14 meeting at the White House where the initiative was agreed upon.
Unlike the Biden administration, which authorized direct arms transfers to Ukraine, President Trump has favored a model in which allies purchase American weapons for Kyiv. Trump has made clear that Europe must shoulder more of the burden in defending Ukraine, arguing that the U.S. needs to prioritize strategic competition with China in the Pacific.
The Netherlands committed to a $577 million package, while Denmark, Sweden, and Norway jointly pledged $500 million. The Dutch contribution includes parts for U.S.-made Patriot missile defense systems, while Sweden confirmed its share would provide air defense systems, Patriot munitions, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, and spare parts.
“By supporting Ukraine with determination, we are increasing the pressure on Russia to negotiate,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, warning that Russian advances pose a growing threat to the broader NATO alliance.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson echoed those concerns, stating, “Ukraine is not only fighting for its own security, but also for our security.”
NATO, in coordination with Ukraine and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, has developed a shopping list of lethal and non-lethal needs, dividing them into $500 million packages for streamlined acquisition and delivery.
Deliveries will be managed by NATO with the promise of “rapid deployment” from U.S. inventories. NATO expects additional member states, including Canada, to announce similar contributions in the coming weeks. Rutte said he had written to all NATO allies urging them to join the initiative.
Meanwhile, American weapons already authorized under the Biden administration continue to flow into Ukraine via Poland, although some deliveries were temporarily paused in June during a Pentagon review. Among the critical supplies are Patriot interceptors, now resuming shipment.
Germany is also contributing to the effort, sending additional Patriot systems to Ukraine in exchange for being moved to the front of the U.S. production line. According to reports, Germany was advanced ahead of Switzerland to receive the newest Patriots as part of the deal, and similar reshuffling will occur as more countries contribute systems to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the initiative, calling it “a very strong step” that enhances Europe’s collective defense. “These steps are a new, real foundation for long-term security across all of Europe. Russia will never turn Europe into a continent of war,” Zelensky posted on social media.
Zelensky also spoke directly with President Trump on Tuesday, just days before a Trump-imposed deadline for Russia to take action toward ending the war. The Ukrainian leader said they discussed bilateral defense cooperation and potential sanctions on Moscow.
The NATO secretary general lauded the move by the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, stating, “Since the earliest days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine. I commend these allies for their quick efforts to get this initiative off the ground.”
With Ukraine under mounting pressure from daily Russian airstrikes and territorial advances, the new NATO-Trump arms pipeline represents one of the most coordinated multinational efforts yet to reinforce Kyiv’s defenses–without putting the direct financial burden on American taxpayers.
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