Stoltenberg proposes a 100 billion euro NATO package for Ukraine

2024-04-03T05:02:44.901Z

Highlights: Stoltenberg proposes a 100 billion euro NATO package for Ukraine. Plan envisages NATO taking over part of the coordination work from the US-led so-called Ramstein Group. The aim is to put together a package before the NATO summit in Washington in July. So far, the defense alliance has limited itself to supplying non-lethal materials to Ukraine, fearing that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Most of its members supply Ukraine with weapons on a bilateral basis. The EU also finances arms deliveries.

The foreign ministers of the NATO countries are meeting for a new alliance meeting. A new idea from NATO boss Stoltenberg is likely to be the focus: it involves enormous military aid that is independent of the USA.

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: A more direct role in supporting Kiev

Photo: Stepan Poghosyan / REUTERS

Today and tomorrow the NATO foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels, the main focus will be on supporting Ukraine. A new, very concrete proposal from NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is likely to provide them with material for discussion: The NATO Secretary General has proposed a five-year military aid package worth 100 billion euros for Ukraine.

The package is intended to give the Western alliance a more direct role in supporting Kiev, several diplomats said on Tuesday. The background is apparently also to make aid to Ukraine more independent of the USA. The plan envisages NATO taking over part of the coordination work from the US-led so-called Ramstein Group.

Agreement before the NATO summit in July

The aim is to put together a package before the NATO summit in Washington in July. So far, the defense alliance has limited itself to supplying non-lethal materials to Ukraine, fearing that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Most of its members therefore supply Ukraine with weapons on a bilateral basis. The EU also finances arms deliveries.

However, diplomats say there is a growing view within NATO that it is time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable, long-term basis. Behind this is also disillusionment with the USA: US President Joe Biden cannot get his huge military package for Ukraine through Congress. It is feared that if Donald Trump returns to the White House after the presidential election in November, American aid to Ukraine could end completely. As part of the plan, NATO could set up its own mission for Ukraine, although it is still unclear whether it would operate within the country, the diplomats said. There are also strong reservations about this in the federal government.

Discussions on the proposal are still at an early stage. According to diplomatic circles, it is unclear whether the total amount of 100 billion euros will be accepted or how it should be financed. All NATO decisions also require consensus among the 32 members of the alliance.

mrc/Reuters

Stoltenberg proposes a 100 billion euro NATO package for Ukraine

Agreement before the NATO summit in July

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