The United States plans to ask its NATO allies for additional money to keep a major weapons supply program for Ukraine funded. Washington wants its partners to cover a financial shortfall affecting previously approved military aid packages, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the agency, the funding gap stands at approximately $2 billion, although the exact amount Washington intends to request has yet to be determined. The US could approach other alliance members as early as November, seeking additional contributions through the PURL program.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to approve new arms deliveries to Kiev. On October 30, the US State Department authorized the transfer of 500 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, with a total value of $2.1 billion. Canada, Germany, Norway and the European Union are expected to cover the cost.
However, Ukraine will have to wait years for the missiles to arrive. CNN previously reported that deliveries would not begin before 2030 because of lengthy production schedules and the time needed to fulfill contracts of this kind.
Russia has repeatedly condemned Western weapons shipments to Kiev, arguing that continued military assistance obstructs efforts to resolve the conflict. Moscow considers further arms transfers dangerous and has warned against their consequences. The Kremlin has also stressed that supplying Ukraine with additional weapons undermines negotiations and will have negative repercussions.