Kyiv needs non-EU weapons, Rutte warns
Mark Rutte (Photo: Lehtikuva/Antti Aimo-Koivisto via REUTERS)
EU’s recently approved EUR90 billion ($107 billion) loan to Ukraine should not be constrained by the proposed “buy European” rule, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Jan. 26.
The official cautioned that European aid should put Kyiv’s military needs first, meaning that U.S.-made arms need to be a part of the aid program.
“The EUR90 billion loan package will have a fundamental impact on Ukraine’s security,” Rutte told the European Parliament’s defense committee.
“But I strongly urge you to allow flexibility in how these funds are used and not be overly restrictive with EU principles such as ‘buy Ukrainian’ and ‘buy European.”
He acknowledged that European nations are developing their defense industries, “which is vital. But at present Europe cannot fully supply everything Ukraine needs to defend itself today and deter tomorrow. So, as you push this loan, please put Ukraine’s needs first.”
Rutte said any weapons that can be purchased directly from European or Ukrainian producers are “priority number one. But we all know that without U.S. arms deliveries, we cannot keep Ukraine in the fight. Literally: we cannot.”
He noted that the United States is providing interceptor missiles “to shoot down as many missiles as possible aimed at Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities each night.”
“NATO and the EU are working hand in glove, both in Brussels and in Kyiv, on military aid coordination, training the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and supporting the development of Ukraine’s defense industry,” he added.
On Dec. 18, 2025, EU leaders approved a EUR90 billion financial support package for Ukraine over 2026–2027. Kyiv will receive an interest-free loan backed by the EU budget. The leaders did not agree on using frozen Russian assets for a reparations-styled loan.
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