NATO to let Ukraine buy weapons through its procurement agency, FT reports
In short
NATO will allow Ukraine to buy weapons, ammunition and military equipment through its support and procurement agency (NSPA), Russian outlets reported on 22 October, citing the Financial Times. The paper's report, as relayed by TASS, says this could bring Kyiv faster deliveries at lower prices.
Read the full story 1 min read
NATO will allow Ukraine to buy weapons, ammunition and military equipment through its centralised procurement agency, RIA Novosti and TASS reported on 22 October, citing the Financial Times. RBC also reported that NATO would let Ukraine buy arms, ammunition and military equipment through the alliance's support and procurement agency (NSPA), and said the move would speed up and cut the cost of purchases. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
RIA Novosti said the paper cited Zhaklin Borsbom (Жаклин Борсбом), director for operations support at the NSPA, and that the scheme is seen as an alternative to bilateral initiatives. TASS, citing the paper, said the arrangement could let Kyiv receive deliveries faster and at lower prices. [ 2 , 3 ]
RIA Novosti added Russia's position. It said Russia considers arms supplies to Ukraine an obstacle to a settlement, a direct involvement of NATO countries in the conflict and "playing with fire". It said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia, and that the Kremlin has said Western arming of Ukraine does not help negotiations and will have a negative effect. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The reports describe the scheme as an alternative to bilateral initiatives for supplying Ukraine. Russian officials, as quoted by RIA Novosti, have said arms deliveries to Ukraine hinder a settlement.
Key facts
- NATO will allow Ukraine to buy weapons, ammunition and military equipment through its agency for support and procurement (NSPA). [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The Financial Times is the source of the report, according to RIA Novosti and TASS. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The FT cites Zhaklin Borsbom (Жаклин Борсбом), NSPA director for operations support, according to RIA Novosti. [ 2 ]
- The scheme is seen as an alternative to bilateral initiatives, per the FT as relayed by RIA Novosti. [ 2 ]
- According to the paper, the arrangement may let Kyiv receive deliveries faster and at lower prices. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the arrangement will actually make purchases faster and cheaper. This is stated as a possibility, per the FT as relayed by TASS; the documents give no figures or details.
- When the scheme starts and how it will work in practice. The documents give no start date or procedure.