Ukraine's Quest for Defense Funding: The $800 Million Gap

Ukraine lacks $800 million to buy planned U.S. weapons this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed. The country seeks European assistance for the PURL program. For the following year, an estimated $15 billion will be required to sustain this defense initiative involving U.S. armaments and European funding.

Ukraine is facing a financial shortfall of approximately $800 million as it struggles to secure U.S. weaponry, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Monday. This deficit comes at a time when Ukraine relies heavily on European allies to support its defense needs.

The purchasing plan, known as the PURL program, focuses on acquiring U.S. weapons with European financial backing. Zelenskiy urged international partners to step up their commitments to ensure the program's success.

Looking ahead, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine would require an estimated $15 billion for the continued operation of the defense initiative next year. The funding will be crucial to maintaining Ukraine's strategic capabilities in light of ongoing regional tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)