Italy Reverses Stance, Plans Funding US Arms for Ukraine Under NATO Program

Italy has reversed its earlier opposition and signaled readiness to finance U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine through NATO's PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) program. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto conveyed this shift during a recent NATO defense ministers meeting, motivated partly by concerns that Italy could be sidelined if the initiative becomes the primary mechanism among allies. Italy has already sent at least ten military aid packages to Ukraine, including advanced air defense systems like the SAMP/T batteries. The PURL program enables Ukraine to acquire crucial weaponry, including Patriot air defense systems, funded mainly by European allies. More than half of NATO's member states have pledged funds to support Ukraine's defense via PURL, reflecting growing European commitment amid reduced U.S. military aid following President Trump's re-election. Italy's participation signals closer NATO coordination and a sustained political commitment to Ukraine despite fiscal constraints.