Romania has joined a US-led initiative to boost Ukraine’s defenses, committing $58 million, according to the foreign ministry, a move to support Ukraine and the wider region against Russian aggression.
The Romanian government approved the amount as part of the 2025 budget, aligning with an a move by the United States and its allies to give multi-nation support to Ukraine’s security.
It said the aid was a way of supporting Ukraine against continued Russian aggression, and also a measure to enhance regional and national security.
The initiative is called he Priority Acquisition List for Ukraine’s Defense (PURL) according to the Romanian ministry who made the announcement on Tuesday.
The mechanism is designed to secure direct contributions from allies for Ukraine’s defense needs, while creating a coordinated and predictable framework for assistance, the Bucharest ministry wrote.
Officials said the contribution would help strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities and support the goal of achieving a sustainable and lasting peace in the region. The program allows for joint allocations through NATO structures and builds on earlier initiatives agreed on at recent NATO meetings.
Bucharest described the move as part of its security commitments, noting that Romania has steadily increased defense spending and budget allocation to defense. It is planning to access $19.5 billion through the EU’s SAFE mechanism to modernize its national military capabilities.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine’s partners have made record commitments for defense production and US weapons purchases. They also set out additional long-term pledges discussed at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, according to his statement on his official Telegram channel, United Media 24 reported.
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