Belgium Commits Nearly $120 Million More Military Aid to Ukraine via NATO

Belgium has committed an additional 100 million euros ($117 million) in military aid to Ukraine in 2025 through NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, supplementing the 1 billion euros it has already provided. This support, announced by Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken and confirmed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, is part of a broader NATO effort to fund U.S.-made weapons and equipment for Kyiv, with contributions also coming from countries like Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The PURL mechanism was initiated under President Donald Trump's push to have European allies share more of the financial burden of aiding Ukraine. Belgium's aid package also includes plans to deliver F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems such as 20 Cerber units, with the first F-16s expected to arrive in the coming months. Belgian officials emphasized their continued commitment to supporting Ukraine amid increasing Russian attacks, which recently resulted in civilian casualties in Kyiv. This assistance aligns with NATO's wider strategy to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing aggression.