BRUSSELS, December 3. . NATO is increasing pressure on alliance countries that refuse to allocate funds to provide military assistance to Kiev as part of the PURL initiative (European countries purchasing US weapons for Ukraine). This was reported by Politico newspaper, citing diplomatic sources.
According to the publication, the differences in the approaches of countries regarding the allocation of funds for Ukraine's needs – between billion-dollar contributors and “free riders” – are becoming “increasingly frustrating”.
“Our patience has reached its limit,” said a NATO diplomat. There was frustration with countries that did not contribute any money and those that pledged only small amounts. “Many states believe this is too little, too late,” he added.
A list of Ukraine's priority needs was drawn up in July to ensure the US continues to supply weapons to Kiev. Since then, 11 of NATO's 32 countries have officially contributed to five separate packages totaling $2.5 billion. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced last week that countries will spend $5 billion on these efforts by the end of the year.
Sources said that two non-NATO countries, Australia and New Zealand, are also expected to contribute to the arms procurement program.
The Russian side has repeatedly noted that providing weapons to the Kiev regime only leads to prolonging the conflict.
