NATO defense ministers are set to finalize an agreement that will grant the alliance increased control over security assistance and training for Ukraine's military. This move is seen as a way to provide Europe with more responsibility over the aid amid uncertainties surrounding the upcoming US presidential election.
The consolidation plan is partly driven by concerns that a potential re-election of former President Donald Trump, who has been hesitant about US military support for NATO and Europe, could impact the level of US commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO currently provides over 99% of all military support to Ukraine, justifying the alliance's expanded role in these efforts. Stoltenberg stated that this agreement will enhance support for Ukraine, offer predictability for Kyiv, and address both immediate and long-term needs.
The new framework aims to minimize gaps and delays in military support, particularly after previous delays in aid negatively affected Ukraine's ability to combat Russian aggression. Stoltenberg proposed that NATO allies contribute a minimum of 40 billion euros annually to Ukraine to ensure the country has the necessary resources to defend against Russian threats.
While Hungary will not participate in the centralized military support scheme for Ukraine, it has agreed not to veto the initiative, allowing other allies to proceed. The ongoing discussions between the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO defense ministers coincide with the Group of Seven nations summit in Italy, where support for Ukraine remains a key focus.
Leaders of G7 nations have pledged to provide Ukraine with a loan of approximately $50 billion, backed by profits from frozen Russian investments, to be delivered by the end of 2024. Additionally, the US and Ukraine are expected to sign a long-term security agreement at the G7 summit, pending final negotiations.
