Information from the German think tank Kiel Institute shows that military support to Ukraine has decreased significantly during the summer.
From primarily the Nordic countries and the Baltic countries, clear calls are being made to countries in southern and western Europe – such as Spain, Italy, and France – to step up.
It is important that the burden sharing becomes more even, says Jonson.
All countries should take their share. All countries should find money, says Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.
Support via Purl
Häkkänen is particularly referring to the new NATO system abbreviated Purl, where member countries buy material from the USA and then forward it to Ukraine.
Sweden already supported via Purl this summer, together with, among others, Denmark and Norway. Finland now promises to do the same – as do several other of the 32 NATO countries.
Today, we heard from country after country. More than half of the member states have now registered, says Secretary-General Mark Rutte at his press conference after the meeting.
I think it was close to 20 around the table who announced that they have the will and ability to procure from the USA, notes Jonson after the meeting.
”Creative ways”
The Minister of Defence has, however, understanding for the fact that the economy complicates things for some countries.
There are many economies that have relatively low growth and high debt, which certainly affects. But the war in Ukraine and its outcome will affect the security for our generation and future generations, and therefore, it is so important to support them, says Jonson.
He also points to alternatives.
If you do not want to buy American defence material, which I know that some countries do not want to, then you have to invest in the Ukrainian defence industry, or in the Czech initiative and contribute with artillery ammunition. There are all the conditions to be able to support Ukraine in different creative ways, and we expect more to do more, says the Minister of Defence in Brussels.
Wiktor Nummelin/TT
Facts: NATO purchases from the USA to Ukraine
TT
The NATO initiative Purl (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List - Ukraine's prioritised needs list) means that NATO countries buy war material from the USA to then supply Ukraine.
The idea is that Saceur, NATO's highest military commander in Europe (currently US General Alexus Grynkweich), should regularly identify what is particularly needed, after which the member countries, alone or together, arrange the financing.
Earlier this summer, 12 NATO countries, including Sweden, have contributed with purchases for approximately 2.5 billion US dollars.
Sources: NATO, Radio Free Europe
