Sweden, Norway, and Denmark just wired half a billion dollars to NATO so Uncle Sam can send Patriot missiles and other U.S.-made weapons straight to Ukraine’s doorstep.
It’s part of a new NATO initiative designed to fast-track American firepower without making America foot the bill—because nothing says “shared defense” like outsourcing the tab. The message is loud, expensive, and missile-shaped: Europe’s northern trio is done waiting around.
And they want Kyiv armed now, not later.
Speed, Missiles, and Nordic Money
The plan is called the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)—but don’t let the bureaucratic name fool you.
This is a weapons wishlist disguised as a coordination tool, and the Nordics came to play. Denmark dropped $90M, Norway threw in around $146M, and Sweden led the charge with a $275M pledge. All for U.S. hardware: air defense systems, anti-tank munitions, and of course, the headline item—Patriot missiles.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen spelled it out: “Speed is absolutely critical.” Translation? Cut the red tape, send the rockets.
Trump Promised, Europe Paid
Last month, Trump said the U.S. would provide weapons to Ukraine—but made it clear: allies should pay for it.
The Nordics took that to heart and wrote the check. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte thanked them for moving fast, while Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy called the move “a new foundation” for Europe’s long-term security.
Swedish Deputy PM Ebba Busch also took a swipe at Europe’s defense production gap, saying U.S. gear is the only thing available “in sufficient quantity.” In short: when Europe can’t build it, they’ll gladly buy it—especially if it gets to Ukraine faster.
So yes, the Nordics just dropped $500M so NATO can ship American missiles to Ukraine. The war isn’t theirs—but the receipts are.
