Over the past year, the Allies have allocated more than $10 billion to PURL and the program for the sale of U.S. military equipment abroad for Ukraine, and deliveries of U.S. weapons to Ukraine continue uninterrupted.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made the statement at the beginning of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (otherwise known as Ramstein) on September 8, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

“I also want to make clear that the PURL mechanism – U.S. weaponry paid for by NATO allies and partners – continues, continues to flow critical equipment, including air defense, into Ukraine. And this is uninterrupted and absolutely essential in helping Ukraine to defend its cities and to hold the front line,” Rutte said.

He emphasized that over the past year, the Allies had allocated $10 billion to PURL and the program for the sale of U.S. military equipment abroad for Ukraine.

“This is crucial and to be warmly welcomed, and includes $3.5 billion from the Ukraine Support Loan. This is, I believe, a tangible sign of EU-NATO cooperation in support of Ukraine, and also another example of Europe stepping up,” the Secretary General said.

He urged partners to continue their support, including through bilateral financing of PURL in the future.

“Our collective support will enable Ukraine to seize the opportunities it is creating now across all fronts and to defend itself in the skies,” Rutte said.

He emphasized that while Russia is adapting and using more North Korean missiles, as well as jet-powered drones, “Ukraine needs our support to address these old and new challenges.”

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“I look forward to hearing all your pledges today to help Ukraine,” Rutte concluded.

As reported, the meeting is being held virtually. Opening remarks were delivered by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius svg, UK Secretary of State for Defense Wes Streeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara svg, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby.

Ahead of the Ramstein meeting, Ukraine submitted to NATO a list of urgent needs for air and missile defense systems.