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Netherlands Becomes First NATO State to Fund US Patriot Missiles for Ukraine
The Netherlands has announced a military aid package worth €500 million (approx. $543 million) for Ukraine, focused on strengthening air defense with American-made systems. This marks the first instance of a NATO member directly financing US weapons—specifically components and missiles for the Patriot system—as part of bilateral support to Ukraine. The decision was made public on August 4.
“This is the first such step among NATO countries, and it comes at a time when Russia is intensifying its attacks,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on his official Telegram channel. “It will definitely help save the lives of our people.”
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the urgency of the delivery: “Ukraine needs more air defense and ammunition now,” he posted on X. “As the first NATO Ally, the Netherlands will deliver a €500 million package of US weapon systems (incl. Patriot parts and missiles). This helps Ukraine to defend itself and the rest of Europe.”
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The aid agreement was confirmed during a conversation between Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. According to the Ukrainian president, the contribution is a practical outcome of the recent NATO summit held in The Hague. Zelenskyy also thanked incoming NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The new assistance package comes amid growing concern over Russia’s attempts to scale up missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s cities and energy infrastructure. The Patriot system, a key component of Ukraine’s layered air defense, has been instrumental in intercepting high-velocity threats including ballistic missiles.
Earlier, it was reported that the Netherlands will substantially contribute to a US initiative to supply additional air‑defense systems (including Patriot missiles) to Ukraine, as announced by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on July 21, 2025.
