Nordic nations fund $500mln US arms for Ukraine in NATO-led initiative
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Sweden, Norway, and Denmark commit $500 million to NATO's Ukraine support initiative, supplying US weapons including Patriot missiles and air defense systems.
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A Ukrainian soldier is standing in front of a Marder infantry fighting vehicle at the German forces' Bundeswehr training area in Munster, Germany, on Feb. 20, 2023 (AP)
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark announced on Tuesday that they will collectively provide approximately $500 million to support a NATO-led effort aimed at delivering US-made weapons, including Patriot missiles, to Ukraine, in order to bolster its defense capabilities against Russia.
Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik stated, "Through this contribution, we aim to guarantee that Ukraine promptly receives the necessary equipment, while enhancing NATO collaboration in support of Ukraine’s defense and achieving peace based on Ukraine’s conditions."
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated that the funds would be accessible without delay and expressed Denmark’s openness to potentially providing further financial support in the future, emphasizing in a statement that "speed is absolutely critical."
Denmark is contributing approximately $90 million, while Norway announced its commitment of around 1.5 billion Norwegian crowns (equivalent to $146 million).
Sweden announced a $275 million contribution to the initiative, which will provide Patriot missiles, additional air defense systems, and anti-tank ammunition. "Continued supply of this kind of American defence materiel, which Europe can't deliver in sufficient quantity, is decisive for Ukraine's defence capability," Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Ebba Busch told reporters.
NATO has announced that it will oversee the coordination of the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, a program funded by European members of the alliance, along with Canada, which will be structured into packages valued at around $500 million each.
The Swedish government's website reported that, as of the end of March this year, Sweden had provided Ukraine with a total of 92.8 billion Swedish crowns in aid.
