UK Commits to NATO’s US Arms-Buying Initiative to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defence
British government pledges £150 million to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, joining allies in purchasing US-made weapons for Kyiv amid ongoing war
The United Kingdom has agreed to participate in NATO’s US-based arms-buying mechanism to support Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion, marking a significant reaffirmation of London’s military backing for Kyiv.
British Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on February 11 that the UK will commit £150 million to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, a programme under which NATO allies fund the purchase of US-made weapons and then transfer the systems to Ukrainian forces.
This marks the latest and most substantial contribution by London to the alliance’s coordinated procurement effort, which was established in mid-2025 after Washington’s own military aid to Kyiv declined and allies stepped up to sustain supplies of critical equipment.
Healey described the UK’s involvement as vital to ensuring Ukraine receives “the critical air defence it needs in response to President Putin’s brutal onslaught,” underscoring London’s commitment to bolstering Kyiv’s defensive capabilities at a time when European partners are assuming a larger share of the burden.
The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, known as PURL, was created to allow allies to pool funding for advanced weaponry — including air defence systems and other essential equipment that can only be procured from American stockpiles — and ensure a predictable flow of military support.
With three-quarters of NATO’s 32 member states already signed up to the scheme, the UK’s financial pledge adds momentum to alliance efforts to maintain consistent deliveries of weapons to Ukraine.
Officials said further announcements from other member states are expected to be made in coordination with a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, where allies are also discussing broader support measures.
The UK’s participation reflects a growing emphasis among Western powers on collective responsibility for sustaining Ukrainian defence, particularly as Washington’s direct aid has decreased and European contributions have increased.
British Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on February 11 that the UK will commit £150 million to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, a programme under which NATO allies fund the purchase of US-made weapons and then transfer the systems to Ukrainian forces.
This marks the latest and most substantial contribution by London to the alliance’s coordinated procurement effort, which was established in mid-2025 after Washington’s own military aid to Kyiv declined and allies stepped up to sustain supplies of critical equipment.
Healey described the UK’s involvement as vital to ensuring Ukraine receives “the critical air defence it needs in response to President Putin’s brutal onslaught,” underscoring London’s commitment to bolstering Kyiv’s defensive capabilities at a time when European partners are assuming a larger share of the burden.
The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, known as PURL, was created to allow allies to pool funding for advanced weaponry — including air defence systems and other essential equipment that can only be procured from American stockpiles — and ensure a predictable flow of military support.
With three-quarters of NATO’s 32 member states already signed up to the scheme, the UK’s financial pledge adds momentum to alliance efforts to maintain consistent deliveries of weapons to Ukraine.
Officials said further announcements from other member states are expected to be made in coordination with a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, where allies are also discussing broader support measures.
The UK’s participation reflects a growing emphasis among Western powers on collective responsibility for sustaining Ukrainian defence, particularly as Washington’s direct aid has decreased and European contributions have increased.
