US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that a lot of military firepower is on its way to Ukraine through European weapons purchases. However, President Trump is still thinking about sending advanced Tomahawk missiles.
$2 billion worth of weapons are on the way
The new Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative has already raised $2 billion in pledges for military equipment, which will help Ukraine’s firepower. At a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, they expect member countries to make more promises. Hegseth stressed that European “commitments” will soon turn into “capabilities” on the battlefield for Ukraine.
The main question is still about Tomahawk missiles
Ukraine wants to get its hands on advanced American-made Tomahawk missiles that could hit targets deep inside Russia. This could possibly bring Moscow within range. Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, said that talks about Tomahawk missiles are a “bilateral question” between Ukraine and the US. These talks are not on the agenda for the meeting in Brussels.
President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to ask President Trump directly for access to Tomahawk missiles during their meeting at the White House on Friday. Trump has said before that he is open to giving the missiles to Russia. However, his opinion of Russian President Vladimir Putin changes.
Drone Support Speeds Up
In addition to missiles, NATO members have promised a lot of help with drones. For example, Britain has promised 100,000 drones, and the Netherlands has promised 90 million euros ($104 million) to help Ukraine make drones at home.
More European Action in Response to Russian Airspace Violations
Recent Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace have made things worse. Last month NATO planes fired their first shots of the war when they shot down suspected Russian drones over Poland. Russia says it did not mean to break NATO airspace rules.
British Defense Minister John Healey said that British planes will keep flying in Polish airspace until the end of the year. He called Russian incursions “reckless, dangerous, and completely unacceptable.” He said that NATO “must meet his (Putin’s) escalation with our strength.”
Ruben Brekelmans, the Dutch defense minister, said that Dutch F-35s were able to shoot down Shahed drones over Poland. However, fighter jets are not the best way to protect against drones. Brekelmans warned, “The Russian threat is getting closer and closer to NATO territory.”
Eastern NATO Members Want Deep Strike Capabilities
Andris Sprūds, Latvia’s Defense Minister, said that Ukraine needs weapons that can hit Russian targets “crucial” for its legitimate self-defense. This is especially important since Russia is targeting civilian infrastructure. He stressed that NATO must show a willingness to conduct deep strikes. He emphasized, “Don’t hit our targets because we can hit you back.”
Antti Hakkanen, Finland’s Defense Minister, said that Russia will continue to threaten Europe even after the conflict in Ukraine ends. He pointed to Russian military modernization and troop concentrations near NATO borders. These are signs that Russia is getting ready for “the second phase of their potential aggression.”
