The Netherlands said on Monday that it will contribute €500 million to purchase US military equipment to be sent to Ukraine, becoming the first NATO country to forge a new protocol to provide Kyiv with American weaponry after US President Donald Trump tightened crucial military aid following his re-election. Last month, Trump announced that the US will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine, which would be paid for by Kyiv's European allies, but did not provide information on how this new system was designed to operate. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that "As the first NATO Ally, the Netherlands will deliver a €500 million package of US weapon systems (including Patriot parts and missiles)." The Dutch defence chief noted that these weapons are of significant importance to Ukrainian soldiers fending off Russian attacks on the frontline and are needed to "defend itself and the rest of Europe against Russian aggression." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement on X, saying "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." The NATO boss, who is also the former prime minister of the Netherlands, thanked allies for ensuring Ukraine remains equipped to continue to defend against the Kremlin's attacks and protect its skies and people. He also added that he hopes other NATO allies will make similar "significant announcements" soon. The Dutch move comes a few weeks after several European countries including Germany and Norway purchased Patriot air defence systems from the US for Ukraine in a deal facilitated by NATO. On Friday, Berlin announced that it was providing a further two Patriot systems to Kyiv to further enhance its defence capabilities. US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker also welcomed the Dutch announcement, asserting that it fulfils Trump's initiative of "allies buying American weapons to help Ukraine defend itself, pressure Russia and boost US jobs". Whitaker noted that he expects more NATO allies to follow suit and supply Ukraine through this new mechanism. NATO said previously that it will coordinate this new initiative, funded by European allies and Canada, and broken up in packages worth roughly €500 million. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X to express his gratitude for Amsterdam leading the way in this new effort. "Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror. I am sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine's air shield," wrote Zelensky. "The package is worth 500 million euros and includes American weapons, including missiles for the Patriots. The first such step among NATO countries and at a time when Russia is trying to scale up its strikes. This will definitely help protect the lives of our people." Zelensky said this initiative is a result of the most recent NATO summit in The Hague in June. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the weapons package will help Ukraine continue to fight for its own freedom as well as all of Europe's. — Euronews
