🇳🇱 Netherlands shocks NATO—becomes first to fund $540M weapons for Ukraine

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Ruta Deshpande, Deftech Analyst
Ruta Deshpande, Deftech Analyst
Ruta Deshpande is a seasoned Defense Technology Analyst with a strong focus on cutting-edge military innovations and strategic defense systems. With a deep-rooted interest in geopolitics and international relations, she brings nuanced insights into the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and global security. Ruta has reported extensively on defense modernization, space militarization, and evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics. As a journalist, she has contributed sharp, well-researched pieces to Deftechtimes, a reputed defense and strategy publication. Her analytical writing reflects a strong grasp of global military doctrines and regional conflict zones. Ruta has a particular interest in the Arctic race, cyber warfare capabilities, and unmanned combat systems. She is known for breaking down complex defense narratives into accessible, compelling stories. Her background includes collaborations with think tanks and participation in strategic dialogue forums.

The Netherlands has made history by becoming the first NATO member to act under a new initiative to supply Ukraine with American-made weapons. On Monday, Dutch officials announced a €500 million package of US military equipment and confirmed they will send it to Ukraine.

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This move is a direct response to a fresh system introduced after US President Donald Trump’s re-election, which puts the responsibility of funding weapons for Ukraine on European allies instead of the United States itself.

This new NATO initiative is called the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List. It allows NATO countries to buy American weapons and send them to Ukraine. While the US still provides the weapons, the money now comes from European countries and Canada.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans shared the announcement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The Netherlands is the first NATO country to provide a package of €500 million in American weapon systems, including Patriot components and missiles.” He emphasized that Ukrainian forces urgently need these weapons to defend their country from ongoing Russian attacks.

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Just weeks ago, President Trump stated that the US would continue supplying arms to Ukraine only if America’s allies in Europe funded them. He didn’t give many details at the time, but now the Netherlands has shown how the new system will work.

Patriot Missiles and Other US Systems Included

The €500 million package from the Netherlands includes powerful American-made weapons, particularly parts and missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. These systems are designed to shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles before they reach their targets.

Dutch leaders say this support is critical for protecting Ukraine’s frontline soldiers and also keeping the rest of Europe safe from Russian aggression. Brekelmans said, “Ukraine needs these weapons so it can counter Russian aggression, also for the rest of Europe.”

Patriot missiles are among the most advanced air defense systems in the world. Several other countries, including Germany and Norway, have also recently bought these systems from the US to help Ukraine. These purchases were made in deals helped by NATO coordination.

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Just last week, Germany confirmed it is sending two more Patriot systems to Kyiv. These additions aim to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to stop air strikes from Russia.

NATO stated that under this new initiative, it will break the arms into packages, each worth around €500 million. Different allies, including countries from Europe and Canada, will fund these packages, and NATO will organize them to make sure Ukraine gets what it needs.

NATO and US welcome the Netherlands for leading Ukraine arms effort

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is also the former prime minister of the Netherlands, praised the decision on X. He said, “Great to see the Netherlands taking the lead and funding the first package of US military equipment for Ukraine under NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List initiative.”

Rutte thanked all NATO allies who continue to provide support to Ukraine so it can defend itself from Russian air and missile attacks. He also expressed hope that other NATO members will soon make similar contributions.

The US Ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker, also welcomed the Dutch announcement. He said that the Netherlands’ move fits perfectly with Trump’s new plan for NATO allies to buy US weapons and send them to Ukraine. Whitaker added that this not only helps Ukraine defend itself and puts pressure on Russia, but it also boosts jobs in the United States by increasing weapons manufacturing.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a message on X, thanking the Netherlands for leading the way with this important step. He wrote, “This support will better protect Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, from Russian terror.” I am sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s air shield.”

Zelenskyy said the new weapons will help protect Ukrainian lives as Russian attacks increase. He noted the Dutch move follows the NATO summit in The Hague. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the package will help Ukraine defend both itself and Europe. The Netherlands’ decision marks a strong start to NATO’s new initiative and sets an example for other allies.

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