NATO’s PURL program will need $12 billion to $20 billion in 2026—Shmyhal

Shmyhal mentioned the figure during the 31st Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at NATO HQ in Brussels.

“The PURL action plan for 2025 must be fully executed,” the minister said.

“We rely on ongoing coordination and funding to ensure timely deliveries. Next year, PURL’s needs will range from $12 billion to $20 billion.”

Shmyhal also said Ukraine’s domestic drone and missile production will need more than $4 billion in financing.

“FPV [first-person view], ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] and other drones are essential for holding the front lines,” he added.

“We continue to insist on an initial requirement of over $4 billion. In 2026, we could build up to 10 million drones if our partners provide the necessary funding. Our deep-strike drones and missiles help us respond asymmetrically to Russian attacks.”

Finally, Ukraine needs a steady supply of artillery shells and air defense assets.

“We welcome the initiative on joint procurement of artillery ammunition and urge a focus on supplying long-range rounds,” said Shmyhal.

“This winter, we urgently need interceptors, air defense systems, and surface-to-air and air-launched guided missiles—from NASAMS and IRIS-T to F-16 fighter jets.” 

He said Kyiv is asking Western partners to cover half of Ukraine’s planned defense needs—about $60 billion.

“We ask partners to join us in covering $60 billion, half of the planned expenditures,” the minister stated.

“The optimal path is for European partners to allocate no less than 0.25% of GDP to military assistance for Ukraine. Another option is a loan secured by frozen Russian assets.”