The Permanent Representative of Ukraine to NATO, Aliona Hetmanchuk, stated that Ukraine is aware of the potential threats to the implementation of the PURL program in the event of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. According to her, the situation in the region may affect the supply of critically important air defense systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The Importance of Missile Supplies for Air Defense
As the diplomat noted, with the active use of interceptors for Patriot systems in the Middle East, there is a risk of a shortage of these weapons for Ukraine. Currently, Ukraine receives about 75% of missiles for Patriot and about 90% for other air defense systems precisely through the PURL program. The delivery of PAC2 and PAC3 type missiles is particularly important. Hetmanchuk emphasized that in the past month, the volumes of these missiles promised by the United States have been fully delivered. The Ukrainian side expects to receive a similar number of PAC3 missiles this month.
“In the context of the war in Iran – and this, in my opinion, is quite natural given the volumes of interceptor use for Patriot systems in the Middle East – there are indeed concerns about a gradual shortage of some of the most sought-after weapons under PURL for Ukraine – additional air defense means. Through PURL, we continue to receive about 75% of interceptors for Patriot and about 90% for all other air defense systems. Primarily PAC2 missiles and especially PAC3. The commitments regarding the supply of these missiles for the past month have been fully met by the U.S. We expect to receive the corresponding number of missiles – primarily PAC3 – as a result of this month,” the Ukrainian diplomat indicated.
Response to Information About Possible Redirection of Aid
Aliona Hetmanchuk emphasized that Ukraine has not received official signals about the possibility of redirecting weapons intended for it under the PURL program to the Middle East. At the same time, she stressed that the program involves not only the supply of missiles for air defense but also other strategically important weapons that allow Ukrainian troops to hold positions on the front and conduct effective counterattacks.
The diplomat also pointed out the need for continued contributions from NATO and European partner countries, as Ukraine receives several types of weapons exclusively through the PURL program. According to her, there are currently no grounds to assert that contributions from partners will not be made in the near future.
Earlier, information emerged that the Pentagon is considering the possibility of redirecting military aid planned for Ukraine to the Middle East. This may be related to the increased demand for ammunition due to the escalation of the war in Iran, which leads to a reduction in stocks of some of the most critical weapons in the possession of American military forces. According to sources, this specifically concerns interceptors for air defense systems purchased for Ukraine under PURL with funds from NATO member countries.