US Assures Ukraine No Plans to Redirect PURL Weapons to Middle East, Says Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has confirmed that the United States currently has no intentions of diverting weapons procured for Ukraine to the Middle East. The assurance came directly from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing recent concerns over the potential reallocation of military aid.

Assurances at the G7 Summit

Speaking about the outcomes of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting held in France on March 27, Sybiha emphasized that Washington's stance remains firm regarding the PURL defense procurement program.

"It was stated at the level of Secretary of State Rubio that nothing has been redirected anywhere from this program to other geographical corners, nor from the funds and equipment intended for Ukraine," Sybiha noted. "As of now, there are no plans for redirection either."

PURL Program Expansion

The Ukrainian top diplomat also revealed that another, unnamed nation has pledged contributions to the PURL program. He highlighted the initiative's continued operation and future growth, describing it as "the only possible tool to strengthen our strategic air defenses."

Context of the Controversy

The reassurances follow a recent report by the Washington Post suggesting that the Pentagon was evaluating the possibility of diverting critical military equipment meant for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to support the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously clarified that no such redirection of US arms has occurred, though he acknowledged that future developments could depend on various factors, including the duration of the war in Iran.

While Secretary Rubio confirmed on March 28 that arms purchased by NATO countries for Ukraine are not currently being sent to the Middle East, he did not entirely rule out the possibility for the future. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump weighed in on the media reports, stating that the United States routinely redirects weaponry across different regions of the world.