Netherlands announces new military support worth close to $300M for Ukraine

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The Netherlands announced Monday a new €250 million (over $290 million) military support package for Ukraine, channeled through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) to deliver weapons and equipment Kyiv urgently needs.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans unveiled the contribution during meetings in Brussels.

Through the PURL, NATO is coordinating the purchase of critical defense equipment from the US by other NATO allies.

According to the Defense Ministry, the PURL mechanism enables deliveries of capabilities Ukraine "urgently needs and cannot be delivered in any other way," including air defense equipment, missiles, F-16 ammunition and other systems drawn from US stockpiles.

Brekelmans linked the new package to intensified Russian attacks, saying: "This weekend was yet another sad low point in the Russian terrorist campaign by air. Ukraine acutely needs more military support to defend itself against these airstrikes and get through the harsh winter."

"With this support of €250 million via PURL, the Netherlands makes a substantial contribution to this," he added.

He said the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the US to end the war should not derail military backing for Kyiv.

"The peace negotiations should not distract from fully and massively supporting Ukraine. It is very important to keep up the pressure on Russia," the minister said. "Both through diplomatic and economic channels, and through military supplies to Ukraine. This strengthens Ukraine's position at the negotiating table."

Brekelmans said the latest package reaffirms The Hague’s long-term commitment to Kyiv, underlining that it is "very important" that the rest of the European allies continue to do so.

"It's about the safety of all of us," he stressed.