NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on member nations to significantly increase their military support for Ukraine. Speaking in Brussels ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting, Rutte urged allies to spend at least €1 billion ($1.17 billion) a month on weapons for the Ukrainian forces next year.

His remarks come despite ongoing US-mediated peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict. Russia has criticized Western arms deliveries, arguing they prolong fighting and increase casualties without altering its outcome. Nevertheless, European NATO members have pledged continued weapon provision, initiating their own effort to escalate military aid through programs like the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

Rutte confirmed that funds under this program would cover both offensive and defensive needs for Ukraine’s military leadership, including air defense interceptors. He described the recent acquisition of about €4 billion ($4.68 billion) since August as positive news, emphasizing that “we need for the full year again a lot of money,” potentially even exceeding one billion monthly.

This push coincides with financial pressures on Europe regarding its funding obligations to Ukraine over the coming years due to Kiev’s economic challenges and reliance on foreign military aid. While several NATO states have recently allocated additional funds under PURL, including joint packages from Germany and Norway worth $500 million each, Canada has also participated in related initiatives.

Notably, however, Norway’s Foreign Ministry recently expressed concern about possible diversion or theft of some assistance to Ukraine following a major corruption scandal uncovered in the country’s energy sector.