Ukraine is facing increasing difficulties in financing the purchase of American and Western weapons amid a protracted war with Russia. The main financial burden is currently borne by only a few partner countries, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to expand this circle.
This was stated by the Ukrainian Ambassador to NATO, Alena Getmanchuk, in a comment to Bloomberg. According to her, most of the American weapons for Ukraine are actually paid for by a limited circle of states, which the United Kingdom recently joined. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult to constantly turn to the same partners, which complicates long-term planning of supplies.
Additional pressure is being created by both external and internal factors, including Hungary's blocking of a €90 billion EU loan, as well as political disputes in Ukraine, which could delay the arrival of international financial assistance.
Despite this, the US continues to provide military support. According to Hetmanchuk, Ukraine has not received signals about possible interruptions in American aid, even given the fact that Washington is simultaneously involved in other crises, including in the Middle East.
In general, arms purchases are carried out within the framework of the PURL program. In 2026, the need for financing this program is estimated at approximately $15 billion. At the same time, in 2025, Ukraine received only a part of the planned funds - about $4.3 billion at the end of the year.
So far, deliveries worth about $500 million have been made, but without new financial commitments from allies, further deliveries may be at risk.
According to sources, NATO is considering the option of financing the supplies in stages - as individual agreements are concluded with partner countries. This approach may complicate the procurement process, but will ensure more stable supplies for Ukraine.
The most pressing need remains air defense, including systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. In the event of restrictions on supplies from the United States, Ukraine will be forced to seek alternative solutions among other partners.
One possible option could be an exchange — Gulf states are already showing interest in Ukrainian interceptor drones. Kyiv, for its part, is considering using this resource to obtain missiles or finance their purchase.
“Ideally, Ukraine wants to exchange them for help with intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles. This could be either the missiles themselves or funds to purchase them,” explained Getmanchuk.
She also added that regular contributions from allies to the PURL program continue, but unlocking European funding could significantly reduce the burden on current donors and stabilize the situation.
