Norway, Sweden and Denmark will join forces with $486.16 million (5 billion Norwegian kroner) in a new NATO initiative to supply Ukraine with US weapons, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the Norwegian government today, BTA reported.
The Netherlands was the first to announce yesterday that it was contributing 500 million euros ($578 million) in arms supplies to the start of the financial scheme called "Ukraine's Priority Needs List" (Priority Ukraine Requirements List, PURL).
Sweden said its share of the package, which includes Patriot air defense systems, other air defense equipment and anti-tank ammunition, is worth $275 million.
"Continuous deliveries of this type of American military equipment, which Europe cannot provide in sufficient quantities, are crucial for Ukraine's defense capabilities," said Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, speaking to media representatives.
"To start with, we are contributing 580 million Danish kroner," the Danish Ministry of Defense announced at the same time.
"I am grateful to Denmark, Norway and Sweden for their quick response in financing a package of American military assistance to Ukraine," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The alliance announced last night that it had begun working to coordinate rapid and large-scale arms deliveries to Kiev.