Netherlands to start NATO's new Ukraine weapons finance scheme with $578 mln payment
'Ukraine needs more air defense and ammunition now. As the first NATO ally, the Netherlands will deliver a 500 million package of US weapon systems (including Patriot parts and missiles),' Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement on X.
'This helps Ukraine to defend itself and the rest of Europe against Russian aggression,' he added.
In a statement posted on the Dutch defense ministry website, the ministry said that other countries have also pledged financing under the new mechanism.
The defense ministry said that under the new scheme, Ukraine can draw on US military equipment stocks if these are funded by NATO allies. The United States is releasing military aid in packages worth approximately $500 million, it said, adding that the packages consist of air defense equipment, ammunition and other essential supplies tailored to Ukraine's needs.
US President Donald Trump said last month the US would supply weapons to Ukraine, paid for by European allies, but did not provide details on how this would work.
Reuters reported on Friday that NATO countries, Ukraine, and the US were developing a new Ukraine weapons financing mechanism.
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