US insists "no change" to arms supplies to Ukraine via PURL

The US says it is continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

Source: US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker in comments to AFP, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Whitaker said he did not want to comment directly on "unconfirmed reports" that the Trump administration has threatened to halt arms supplies if Kyiv continues its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

Quote: "I don't think that's consistent with what I know today, which is that the United States continues to sell our equipment and munitions to our European and Canadian allies that then provide it to Ukraine. I know of no change to that programme."

Details: Whitaker acknowledged, however, that equipment deliveries under the PURL programme are currently being delayed, particularly when it comes to air defence systems.

"Air defence largely is in high demand, and the availability is probably not as good as we would like," he explained.

He noted that companies are developing new approaches to intercepting incoming projectiles and expressed confidence that the problem can be resolved.

"I think it's a short-term challenge," the ambassador added.

He also warned that timing is critical as Ukraine approaches winter.

"Ukraine is facing a winter where, if there is not an energy ceasefire ... their electricity and heating infrastructure could be under a lot of pressure," he said.

Whitaker reported that Washington is working with allies that possess air defence systems to get them to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

"We'll continue to every day work on it, try to find available inventory, and then increase production on both sides of the Atlantic," he added.

Background:

• The Financial Times previously reported that the Trump administration is threatening to halt arms supplies through the PURL mechanism if Ukraine does not stop striking Russian oil refineries. Under the PURL programme, Ukraine receives US-made equipment purchased by NATO allies.
• NATO subsequently stated that deliveries of US weapons to Ukraine are continuing.

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