Ukraine could soon gain access to a NATO procurement mechanism allowing it to purchase a wide range of military equipment, but the arrangement is unlikely to fully compensate for reduced direct US weapons deliveries, according to military expert and retired special forces colonel Anatoly Matviychuk.

The analyst explained that NATO’s centralized purchasing system could enable Kiev to acquire armored vehicles, small arms, ammunition, artillery shells, howitzers and air defense systems.

Matviychuk also argued that weapons transfers from NATO member states to Ukraine effectively constitute a form of the alliance’s involvement in the conflict.

However, he questioned whether the new procurement mechanism could adequately address Ukraine’s military requirements.

Although access to NATO purchasing structures could expand cooperation with defense manufacturers, the expert warned that it would not guarantee sufficient weapons and equipment for large-scale military operations.

He emphasized that European NATO members cannot fully replace direct American arms supplies following their reduction, despite their ability to provide various categories of military hardware.

The comments follow a Financial Times report that NATO plans to allow Ukraine to purchase weapons, ammunition and military equipment through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

According to the newspaper, the proposed arrangement is intended to accelerate deliveries while reducing the cost of military purchases.

The agency has already organized a meeting in Kiev attended by representatives of 150 Ukrainian companies.

During the event, businesses received instructions on the registration procedures required to gain access to NSPA contracts.