Ukraine to get missiles in first US arms supply under new system

Ukraine will soon receive missiles for Patriot air defense systems and HIMARS rocket launchers under a new U.S.-backed weapons supply program, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed on Wednesday. This marks the first batch of arms being sent through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) — a NATO-led mechanism designed to let European allies fund weapons while the U.S. provides them.

So far, Ukraine has secured more than $2 billion in financing for U.S.-made weapons through PURL, with total commitments expected to rise to $3.5 billion in October . NATO officials said the first two shipments, worth $500 million each, will “definitely” include Patriot and HIMARS missiles — both crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Russian strikes.

Patrick Turner, NATO’s senior representative in Ukraine, confirmed that four packages under PURL are already funded and equipment is on its way. The system allows Europe to shoulder much of the financial burden, addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of heavy American spending on Ukraine.

The Trump administration has until now only sold weapons to Ukraine or allowed shipments previously approved by former President Joe Biden. The new PURL model gives Washington a way to supply Kyiv while shifting more responsibility to European partners.

With winter approaching, Ukraine fears Russia will step up missile strikes targeting its energy grid. Zelenskiy stressed that Western long-range defenses remain vital to protect civilians and critical infrastructure from escalating attacks.