NATO Allies’ Strong Support for Ukraine

NATO allies are determined to make it clear to Moscow that their support for Ukraine is unwavering, with Russian President Vladimir Putin being strongly criticized for his beliefs that he can outlast this support.

Leaders from the 32 NATO nations are currently gathered in Washington DC to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the alliance. The summit is expected to include new announcements regarding air defense for Ukraine, including the provision of Patriot missiles. However, this summit does not signify Ukraine’s immediate accession to the alliance, and no invitation will be extended to Kyiv.

An impressive pledge of €40 billion in military contributions for the upcoming year will be made, along with the establishment of a training and security assistance mission for Ukrainian forces. The aim of these initiatives is to pave the way for Ukraine to eventually join NATO when the time is deemed appropriate.

The creation of a new initiative, tentatively named NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine), will serve as the main platform for coordinating arms deliveries and training for Ukrainian forces. It will be headquartered in Germany and overseen by a three-star general along with a staff of over 700 individuals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be present in Washington DC to hold bilateral meetings and participate in a special event with US President Joe Biden, which will include allies and non-NATO partners who have signed security agreements with Ukraine.

Michael Carpenter, Senior Director for Europe at the US National Security Council, emphasized that the alliance’s support for Ukraine is not temporary but will endure in the long term. The establishment of a new NATO military command in Germany will further solidify this commitment.

Russia’s Recent Actions Condemned

The need to institutionalize support for Ukraine stems from the aim to provide consistent military equipment and ensure stability in assistance, preventing future shortcomings that could prove detrimental on the battlefield. Outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s plan is to ensure that support for Ukraine remains a core aspect of NATO’s priorities, especially in the face of potential challenges from certain governments.

While Ukraine’s path to NATO membership is still under discussion, countries like the US are eager to convey that Ukraine’s journey towards membership is irreversible. The summit will not result in a formal invitation for membership but will focus on creating a pathway towards eventual accession.

Following a recent Russian missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, the US has called for a war crimes investigation into the attack. NATO sources believe this attack was a deliberate act to disrupt the ongoing summit and showcase strength.

Scenes of devastation emerged from the hospital in Kyiv, with at least two casualties and numerous injuries reported. The attack has been strongly condemned by NATO officials, highlighting the urgent need for a thorough investigation into this tragic incident.