Amsterdam, August 5 (TASR) - The Netherlands announced on Monday that it will become the first NATO country to purchase air defense systems from the United States and deliver them to Ukraine, TASR reports, citing a report by the DPA agency.

Netherlands follows up on NATO-US arms deal

“Ukraine now needs more air defense and ammunition,” Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a post on Platform X. “As the first NATO ally, the Netherlands will deliver a package of American weapons systems (including Patriot parts and missiles) worth 500 million euros. This will help Ukraine defend itself and the rest of Europe against Russian aggression,” he added.

In July, US President Donald Trump announced that he would authorize the sale of US Patriot missile defense systems to European NATO countries, which would then supply them to Ukraine. “The Netherlands is the first country to follow up on the arms deal between NATO and the US, which includes the purchase of US air defense systems for Ukraine,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said at the X.

Schoof: Ukraine also fights for freedom and security in Europe

"These weapons are very much needed. Ukraine is still fighting every day to defend itself from Russian aggression, such as large-scale drone attacks. Ukraine is also fighting for freedom and security in Europe," he noted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke with Schoof by phone on Monday, said in response that he was"sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine's air defense shield."

Zelenskyy: This will definitely help protect the lives of our people

"The package is worth 500 million euros and includes American weapons, including missiles for Patriot systems. The first such step among NATO countries and at a time when Russia is trying to intensify its attacks. This will certainly help protect the lives of our people!" Zelenskyy added.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on Friday that Berlin would deliver Patriot launchers to Ukraine in the coming days, DPA reports. He added that further components of the system would be delivered over the next two to three months to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses with additional Patriot batteries.