Pentagon official Hegseth calls expansion of US-led arms initiative for Ukraine "an incredible signal"
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described the announced expansion of the coalition involved in the initiative to procure weapons for Ukraine from the United States as a powerful signal to the world.
Source: Hegseth's remarks ahead of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting (also known as the Ramstein format) in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The United States considers the expansion of the PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) initiative "an incredible signal" to the international community.
Quote: "Many more commitments just today to that PURL initiative would send an incredible signal to the world about the commitment [to our shared resolve – European Pravda]."
More details: The secretary stressed that he valued the decisions of all countries that showed their readiness to contribute to PURL today.
Quote: "Allies often say that Ukraine's security is synonymous with European security. Well, now then, therefore, is the time for all NATO countries to turn words into action in the form of PURL investments. All countries around this table, no free riders."
More details: Hegseth recalled that NATO allies have already provided Ukraine with "more than US$2 billion in security assistance through the NATO PURL initiative since August".
Background:
- It was reported earlier that Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal has publicly appealed to NATO partners to provide half of the funding needed for Ukraine's defence.
- On 15 October, NATO Secretary General announced that over half of the Alliance's members have joined the initiative to buy weapons for Ukraine from the United States.
- During the NATO Council meeting in Brussels on the same day, it was confirmed that Estonia would join the PURL initiative. Finland earlier announced its participation, while Lithuania will allocate US$30 million to the programme.
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