During a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, NATO foreign ministers were scheduled to discuss the establishment of a long-term military support plan for Ukraine. This plan includes a proposal for a 100 billion euro ($107 billion) fund over five years, as well as a strategy to ensure continuous aid to Kyiv in a way that is resistant to changes in leadership, including potential shifts under a new U.S. administration.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s proposals aim to give the alliance a more central role in coordinating the supply of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Ukraine as it faces Russia’s invasion. These plans are set to be deliberated during a two-day meeting in Brussels that will commemorate the 75th anniversary of NATO’s establishment and prepare for an upcoming summit of alliance leaders.
Stoltenberg emphasized the need to alter the nature of support to Ukraine towards a more sustainable and predictable approach. This would involve a shift from discretionary contributions to NATO commitments, with a greater focus on long-term assistance rather than short-term offers.
He mentioned that discussions at the meeting would revolve around how NATO can take on more responsibility for coordinating military resources and training for Ukraine, refraining from disclosing specific funding levels and aiming for a decision to be reached at the July summit.
Under the proposed plans, NATO would assume coordination tasks currently handled by a U.S.-led ad-hoc coalition called the Ramstein group. This shift is partly designed to protect against potential reductions in U.S. aid should there be changes in U.S. leadership, including a return of Donald Trump to the presidency.
Up to this point, NATO has primarily provided non-lethal aid to Ukraine, due to concerns that a more direct involvement could escalate tensions with Russia. However, there is a growing consensus within the alliance that it is time to establish a more sustainable framework for military assistance to Ukraine, with NATO being deemed the most suitable entity to take on this role.
Despite threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning certain actions by NATO allies, such as supplying tanks and advanced weaponry to Ukraine, there have been no retaliatory measures taken by Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, scheduled to attend the Brussels meeting, mentioned in Paris that NATO was exploring initiatives that could facilitate Ukraine’s eventual membership in the alliance.
While NATO has stated that Ukraine cannot join the alliance while in conflict with Russia, it has affirmed that Ukraine will become a member at some point, with Stoltenberg stating on Wednesday that it is just a matter of when.
At an early stage of discussions, diplomats noted the uncertainty surrounding the acceptance of the proposed 100 billion euro fund and its potential financing mechanisms, as NATO decisions require consensus among all 32 member nations. Some diplomats expressed skepticism towards the feasibility of such a large fund.
The current meeting coincides with NATO’s search for a new leader to succeed Stoltenberg, who has held the position for nearly a decade. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has garnered support from approximately 90% of NATO members, including key nations like the United States, France, Britain, and Germany. However, he faces opposition from Hungary, which objects to his criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, as well as a last-minute challenge from Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Although initial hopes to select Stoltenberg’s successor during the Brussels meeting were not met, there is confidence among several diplomats that Rutte will eventually be appointed to the role. ($1 = 0.9288 euros)
(Writing by Andrew Gray and Ingrid Melander; Editing by Stephen Coates and Ros Russell)
