Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden Ready to Buy Patriot Missiles for Ukraine
Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden have signaled their readiness to participate in a new initiative unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump that would see European NATO allies purchase American weapons—including Patriot missile systems—for Ukraine, The Gaze reports, referencing Euractiv.
The announcement follows President Trump’s declaration on Monday of a significantly tougher stance on Russia, giving the Kremlin a 50-day deadline to end its war against Ukraine or face sweeping new economic sanctions.
As part of this pivot, Trump launched a joint plan with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that calls on European members of the alliance to buy billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. arms to bolster Kyiv’s defense, particularly against Russian airstrikes.
Germany has already committed to purchasing two Patriot air defense systems under the scheme and is urging other NATO countries to act swiftly. “All members have to open their wallets,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. “Ukraine is massively under pressure, especially in air defense, and time is of the essence.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed on Tuesday that Copenhagen is “absolutely ready” to contribute financially. “We have to work out the details,” he added.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also expressed a “positive inclination” toward joining the initiative. “We will look into what we can do in relation to Mr. Trump’s announcements and take it from there,” he said.
Sweden, though not yet formally committed, is reportedly among the NATO nations considering involvement, alongside Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasized that the plan could allow countries to send weapons from their current stockpiles to Ukraine, with U.S.-manufactured systems replenishing their arsenals. However, the limited availability of Patriot batteries across Europe may pose logistical challenges.
Despite such hurdles, the shift in U.S. policy was welcomed by many European leaders as a return to stronger transatlantic coordination. “After yesterday’s announcements, it’s clear that leadership is once again coming from the U.S.,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
The specific funding mechanisms and equipment lists remain confidential and are set to be finalized in the coming weeks through dedicated working groups. However, officials stress that accelerating air defense deliveries is critical as Russia intensifies its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
As The Gaze previously reported, President Donald Trump welcomed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to the White House on Monday, unveiling a new weapons agreement for Ukraine and threatening Russia with steep tariffs if peace talks fail within 50 days.
Read more: Forbes: Patriot System Is Critical to Ukraine's Survival