Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on September 17 that, up to now, Ukraine has received more than 2 billion USD in contributions from NATO allies to the Priority Requirements for Ukraine (PURL) program. He believes that next month there will be more financial resources, bringing the total to about 3.5-3.6 billion USD. The fund is mobilized from its allies to purchase weapons, ammunition and equipment from the United States.
Mr. Zelensky said that the first shipments will include ammunition for patriot air defense systems and HIMARS mobile rocket artillery systems - equipment that is said to be the key for Ukraine to protect the airspace and conduct accurate strikes.
While the conflict has not shown any signs of cooling down, Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians continue to suffer damage from Russian airstrikes and missile attacks. Moscow has said it remains open to negotiations, but has rejected some key proposals from Ukraine and international partners.
At the same time, Ukraine and the US also cooperated to establish a mineral investment fund worth 150 million USD, each side contributing 75 million USD, to develop energy, infrastructure and essential mineral projects.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Economy said the fund will begin funding three projects by the end of 2026.
Ukraine's assets include major minerals such as titanium, lithium, uranium, graphite and manganese - which are important raw materials for high-tech industries, weapons manufacturing, energy and medical equipment. Exploitation and investment in the mineral industry is considered one of the key factors for Ukraine to both restore the economy and ensure sustainable weapons.
However, there are many challenges ahead: Uncertainty about lenders' security commitments, exploitation conditions in war zone, high costs of mineral infrastructure, and the possibility of environmental impact.
