The United States is preparing to ask its NATO allies for additional funding to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, with a shortfall of around $2 billion already reported for military packages approved under a key weapons-delivery initiative.
The request for fresh contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) could be made as early as November, according to people familiar with the discussions. They said Washington had already indicated to some allies that it would seek additional financial support, although the exact amount being requested has not been disclosed.
The funding push comes amid continuing tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raising questions among European allies about Washington's long-term commitment to Kyiv. However, the move suggests that US defence support for Ukraine is continuing despite the strained political relationship.
The people familiar with the discussions said the US had continued delivering weapons even when allied payments had not yet arrived. The funding gap could widen further if the Pentagon approves additional shipments. The Pentagon and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
PURL programme faces funding shortfall
PURL is a central part of NATO's efforts to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities. Under the arrangement, allied countries provide money to purchase US-made weapons and military equipment, which are then delivered to Kyiv.
Previous deliveries under the initiative have included critical air defence systems and other military supplies needed by Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks.
The latest effort to secure additional contributions indicates that the Pentagon has continued to support the programme despite the political disagreements between Washington and Kyiv. US defence companies remain an important source of military equipment for Ukraine, while Washington has continued shipments even when funding from its allies has lagged behind deliveries.
The reported funding gap of approximately $2 billion relates to weapons packages that have already received approval. The shortfall could increase if further deliveries are made before additional contributions are secured.
NATO launched the PURL initiative in July 2025 to enable member countries and partner nations to finance the purchase of US weapons identified as priorities for Ukraine. By June 2026, allies had committed more than $6 billion towards military equipment sourced from the US through the programme. NATO coordinates the procurement and delivery of the equipment to Ukraine.
Trump-Zelenskyy tensions create uncertainty among allies
The push for additional funding comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump and SpaceX chief Elon Musk have both called on the Ukrainian president to step down, adding to tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy has accused the US of slowing down the Starlink satellite internet service used by the Ukrainian military and delaying previous deliveries of Patriot air defence interceptors under PURL. Ukrainian officials have also alleged that Washington occasionally suspended intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, a claim denied by the US.
The gap between Washington's continued military assistance and Trump's criticism of Zelenskyy has created confusion among NATO allies. According to people familiar with the discussions, the political uncertainty has sometimes made it harder to persuade European governments to contribute additional money for weapons.
Some European countries have also become increasingly cautious about financing a war that has entered its fifth year. Spain, France and Italy, among other key European nations, are due to hold elections this year or next, adding another political consideration to decisions on further military assistance.
US had threatened to halt PURL deliveries
Last month, Washington threatened to suspend weapons deliveries under PURL in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, according to people familiar with the matter.
However, the threat was not carried out and the programme continued to operate, they said.
The episode added to uncertainty over the continuity of US military assistance, particularly as European allies are being asked to shoulder a greater share of the financial burden.
US approves separate $2.1 billion Patriot missile sale
Separately, the US State Department on Friday approved a foreign military sale of Patriot missiles worth $2.1 billion to Ukraine. The purchase is being funded through contributions from Canada, Germany, Norway and the European Union.
The approval is significant amid Kyiv's concerns over delays in receiving Patriot interceptors, which are crucial for protecting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure against Russian missile attacks.
However, foreign military sales generally take years to move from approval to the actual delivery of weapons, meaning the authorisation does not translate into immediate supplies.
The proposed additional PURL funding and the separate Patriot missile sale underline the continued importance of US-made military equipment to Ukraine's defence, even as Washington seeks greater financial contributions from its European allies.