Trump admin approves first Ukraine weapons aid under new Nato-funded mechanism

The Trump administration has approved its first US weapons aid packages for Ukraine under a new allied funding arrangement, with shipments expected to begin soon, according to a Reuters report, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

The packages mark the first use of a mechanism developed jointly by the US and its Nato allies to supply Ukraine with weapons drawn from American stockpiles, financed through contributions from Nato member states.

According to the report, citing sources, Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby has signed off on up to two aid packages worth $500 million each under the new system, formally known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

The renewed transatlantic effort to support Ukraine — potentially supplying up to $10 billion in weapons — comes amid growing frustration from US President Donald Trump over Moscow’s continued aggression despite his push for a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

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Until now, the Trump administration had only facilitated arms sales to Ukraine or delivered aid packages previously approved under former President Joe Biden, a strong backer of Kyiv.

While the exact contents of the newly approved shipments remain undisclosed, sources confirmed that they include critical air defence systems — urgently needed as Ukraine faces a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks.

One of the sources told Reuters that the PURL list was making its way through the process after clearing the Pentagon’s policy unit.

“It’s the stuff they’ve been asking for. A lot of stuff,” Reuters quoted a source as saying.

“It’s the flow that’s allowed them to stabilise the lines thus far,” he added.

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According to experts, Ukraine’s needs remain consistent with previous months - air defences, interceptors, systems, rockets, and artillery.

With inputs from agencies