Japan joins PURL programme and allocates first US$14.6m for Ukraine
Japan has joined the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme, allocating over US$14.6 million for the purchase of non-lethal military equipment to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Source: Japanese Foreign Ministry; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Details: Following a decision by the Japanese government, the funds are intended exclusively for the supply of non-lethal equipment. The specific list of machinery and hardware will be coordinated directly with NATO.
"Japan will continue to support Ukraine in order to achieve a just and lasting peace and intends to further strengthen Japan-NATO cooperation," the Japanese Foreign Ministry stated.
Zelenskyy thanked Japan for its contribution and stated that about US$1.5 billion worth of weaponry had been purchased under the PURL mechanism since the beginning of 2026. Twenty-eight countries are participating in this initiative.
"Since the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Japan has been helping Ukraine and our people a lot. And we deeply appreciate all the support we have received," the president emphasised.
For reference: PURL is a joint US-NATO programme launched in 2025. Its aim is to speed up the delivery to Ukraine of critically important US-made weapons and equipment.
Partner countries finance purchases based on a priority list of Ukraine's needs, coordinating their contributions through a dedicated NATO fund.
The mechanism allows for the rapid provision of necessary weapons, including air defence missiles for Patriot systems, directly from US stockpiles.
Background:
- Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Ukraine currently receives more than 90% of all its anti-ballistic capabilities through the PURL mechanism, including missiles for Patriot and HIMARS systems.
- Japan's intention to join the PURL programme became known in February 2026. Under Japan's funding of non-lethal assistance to Ukraine through NATO structures, there are plans to supply radar systems and personal protective equipment such as body armour.
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