Weapons for Ukraine: US pressures Greece to participate in PURL program
According to Ukrinform, Ekathimerini stated this in an article.
It is noted that leading up to Wednesday's NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, US Embassy officials in Athens relayed Washington's request that Greece join PURL, Greek sources said.
American diplomats again expressed approval of Greece's principled position on Ukraine and acknowledged its financial constraints as the fiscal year nears its end, but insisted that Athens also announce its participation.
US diplomats reiterated appreciation for Greece's "principled stance" on Ukraine and acknowledged fiscal constraints as the financial year nears its end, but they pressed Athens to announce participation. They urged Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to declare participation at the NATO meeting and proposed that Greece sign the General Framework Agreement to signal commitment, leaving the contribution amount for later. Washington also advised Athens to avoid joining the minority of NATO states that do not contribute.
Gerapetritis met on the sidelines of the NATO meeting with US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, but no announcements followed beyond both countries' intention to prepare the next Greece-US Strategic Dialogue.
The US has repeatedly raised PURL since President Donald Trump announced the fund last summer; the issue was also pressed by Charge d'Affaires Josh Huck and Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle with Greek leaders.
Because the matter affects Greek-American relations, it is being managed by the prime minister's office. Both now and in earlier phases, the Americans have been told that the country's fiscal situation does not allow for the disruption of sensitive balances that have been achieved.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said PURL has backing from two-thirds of member-states and commitments of EUR 4 billion.
As Ukrinform reported, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on partners to step up their contributions to PURL.
Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Dickson / US Army
