NATO to discuss 'Trump-Proof' & long-term military support for Ukraine
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NATO's Secretary-General proposes a $107 billion plan to "Trump-proof" and bolster long-term military support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and potential US policy shifts.
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg presents the 2023 NATO annual report during a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, March 14, 2024. (AP)
To "Trump-proof" aid for Kiev, NATO Foreign Ministers discussed, during Wednesday's meeting, how to establish long-term military support for Ukraine.
Among the agenda items discussed was NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's proposal for a $107 billion five-year fund and another "Trump-proof" plan.
According to diplomats, Stoltenberg's proposal offers the alliance a more direct role in the coordination of military supplies with Ukraine, knowing that EU countries have been involved in assisting Kiev with mostly non-lethal aid, for fear of triggering a European escalation with Russia.
Some diplomats made the observation that some deliveries did not trigger an escalation between Russia and the EU, signaling that Russian President Vladimir Putin had reservations, despite threats that he would regard various steps taken by NATO allies as escalatory.
The plans are set to be further dissected during the two-day gathering in Brussels for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The meeting will also serve to prepare for the July summit of alliance leaders anticipated to take place in Washington.
NATO to assume some responsibilities
The upcoming meeting aims to shed light on the extent to which Ukraine's European allies are committed to backing Kiev's military efforts amid a deadlock in the US Congress over a $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine.
The proposal involves NATO assuming certain coordination responsibilities from the Ramstein group, with the intention of mitigating potential reductions in US support in the event of Donald Trump's return to the presidency.
It is important to note that the Ramstein group is named after a US air base where the group regularly meets, however, a more formal name is the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
One diplomat explained to Reuters that the plan "goes some way to protecting in case of Trump. But it is impossible to create something Trump-proof," adding that "A fund of 100 billion looks very optimistic."
Similarly, another NATO official confirmed that "No final decisions are to be taken at the April ministerial meetings, and discussions will continue as we approach the Washington summit in July."
In turn, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, announced during a visit to Paris on Tuesday that NATO is exploring potential steps that could act as a transitional pathway for Ukraine toward alliance membership. While NATO has clarified that Ukraine cannot be admitted while engaged in conflict with Russia, it has affirmed that Ukraine will eventually become a member.
Germany allocates €576mln for 180K artillery shells to Ukraine
In support of the Czechian initiative to boost military aid to Ukraine, Germany revealed on Tuesday the allocation of €576 million for Ukraine to replenish its artillery shell supply, amid a severe shortage that is affecting its performance on the frontlines.
The Economist had previously stated that the Czech Republic secured at least 800,000 shells, and the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Canada agreed to allocate funds to help pay. The Czech Republic says that if $3.3 billion could be secured, 1.5 million shells could be purchased and sent to Ukraine.
The combined aid would be delivered in three different batches.
Berlin, on its part, revealed that it will be providing Kiev with 180,000 artillery shells in the second batch of military aid. Overall, Germany would be contributing 40% of the military initiative to Ukraine.
Berlin has also concluded deals to provide an additional 100,000 155mm shells to Ukraine, with the initial shipments set to be delivered this year. Furthermore, Germany plans to dispatch 100 infantry fighting vehicles along with 100 high-capacity logistics vehicles.
Last month, Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, revealed an independent 478 million euro package to Ukraine.
Read more: France's Ukraine adventure could snowball into nuclear war, VIPS warns
