Norway, Sweden and Denmark have just announced plans to jointly finance a support package for Ukraine under the new US-NATO mechanism; Prioritised Ukraine Requirement List, agreed with US President, Donald Trump last month.
Under the scheme, countries pay Washington for defence systems and munitions in US warehouses that are then shipped to Ukraine, which has been battling a Russian invasion.
Norwegian government’s press release said that the package, estimated to be worth some €430m in total, will include support for “Ukraine’s air defence, ammunition and other essential equipment.” The details of the package will not be made public for security reasons.
According to indicated totals, Sweden will make the largest contribution of over €230m, with Norway to follow at around €120m and Denmark at around €80m.
Norwegian Defence Minister, Tore O. Sandvik asserted that the new package was meant to ensure that Ukraine “quickly receives the equipment it needs” to defend itself from Russia.
Simultaneously, Swedish Ministers presented the outline of the deal at a press conference in Stockholm.
In her opening statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy, Industry Minister, Ebba Busch insisted that Ukraine’s cause is “our cause,” as she stressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine amid sustained Russian attacks.
Swedish Defence Minister, Pål Jonson added that the continued strikes showed there was little appetite from Russia to end the conflict.
This is a second package of this kind after the Netherlands announced its plans to spend around €500m on US weapons for Ukraine under the new scheme.
The Netherlands is the first country to commit €500m to spend on US weapons for Ukraine under a new framework deal agreed by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte last month.
On Monday night, Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof said that the new weapons for Ukraine were “badly needed” as Ukraine is still fighting every day to defend itself against Russian aggression, such as large-scale drone attacks. “In doing so, Ukraine is also fighting for freedom and security in Europe,” he added.
Posting a clip of his interview for Dutch TV NPO2, the country’s Defence Minister, Ruben Brekelmans said that the Netherlands was “taking the lead in supplying military equipment from American stockpiles,” arguing that “by steadfastly supporting Ukraine, we increase the pressure on Russia to negotiate.”
Brekelmans called the Russian air strikes “pure terror” and warned that Moscow’s advance into Ukrainian territory could pose a broader threat to Europe. “The more Russia dominates Ukraine, the greater the danger to the Netherlands and our NATO allies,” he said.
On Monday night, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he spoke with Schoof on the phone, and welcomed the contribution by saying “this will definitely help protect the lives of our people.”
The Dutch package includes US Patriot missile parts and other systems tailored to Ukraine’s front-line requirements, according to the defence ministry.
Rutte Hails First Financial Packages For Ukraine
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte responded to the Nordic package of help for Ukraine, saying, “Grateful to Denmark, Norway & Sweden for fast action to fund a package of US military support for Ukraine.”
He noted that the package will deliver life-saving equipment and critical supplies to the front-line, strengthening Ukraine’s hand and helping them deter aggression as they pursue lasting peace.
He also earlier thanked the Netherlands for its contribution.
“Great to see the Netherlands taking the lead and funding the first package of US military equipment for Ukraine under NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List initiative.
“I thank Allies for getting Ukraine the equipment it urgently needs to defend against Russian aggression. I expect further significant announcements from other Allies soon.”
Mark Rutte
While other allies have pledged to join the initiative, the Netherlands is the first to transfer funds.
It has already pledged tanks, drones, ammunition and support for F-16 training and delivery to Ukraine.
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