NATO has begun coordinating regular shipments of major weapons packages to Ukraine, following a Dutch pledge of €500 million (approximately $578 million) in air defense systems, ammunition, and other military support.
In a separate move, Sweden on Tuesday announced it will contribute $275 million to a joint Nordic initiative — alongside Denmark and Norway — to supply Ukraine with air defenses, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, and spare parts, totaling around $500 million.
Two major deliveries, largely consisting of equipment purchased from the United States, are expected this month. The Nordic contribution is set to arrive in September. NATO said the packages will be tailored to Ukraine’s battlefield priorities and delivered on a regular basis.
“Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis,” the alliance said on Monday.
Air defense systems remain Ukraine’s most urgent need, as Russia continues to strike urban areas behind the front line. The UN has reported over 12,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths as a result of these attacks.
On the battlefield, Russia’s military is making slow but costly advances along the 1,000-kilometer front, focusing efforts on capturing the eastern city of Pokrovsk — a key logistical hub.
European countries and Canada are primarily sourcing military equipment from the U.S., which maintains larger stockpiles and more advanced weaponry. The Trump administration has opted not to provide arms to Ukraine directly.
These new commitments add to ongoing military support. According to the Kiel Institute, European nations had supplied around €72 billion ($83 billion) in military aid to Ukraine as of June, surpassing the $65 billion provided by the U.S. since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans highlighted the importance of U.S.-made air defense systems and munitions, calling Russia’s attacks “pure terror.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands, saying the aid will help protect both Ukraine and Europe amid increasing Russian strikes.
Germany also announced it would deliver two additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, supported by assurances from the U.S. to restock German supplies. These systems are exclusively manufactured in the U.S.
Although NATO as an organization provides only non-lethal support such as medical supplies, tents, and logistics, the alliance’s role has expanded since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January. While the Trump administration urges Europe to take greater responsibility for regional security, it has made no formal commitment to supplying arms or financial aid to Ukraine.
Speaking on July 28, Trump said, “We’re going to be sending now military equipment and other equipment to NATO, and they’ll be doing what they want, but I guess it’s for the most part working with Ukraine.”
Source: Agency