“Our most urgent task at the summit will be support to Ukraine. Ukraine must prevail, and they need our sustained support. So at the summit next week, I expect heads of state and government will agree on a substantial package for Ukraine,” he said.This package includes a major shift in NATO's role. The alliance will now coordinate the majority of international security assistance to Ukraine, a task previously managed under the US-led Ramstein format. This effort will be spearheaded by a three-star general and supported by a team of 700 personnel operating from NATO headquarters in Germany and logistics hubs in Eastern Europe. Financial commitments are also expected to be substantial, with allies anticipated to pledge €40 billion annually in military aid to Ukraine. This maintains the level of support seen in previous years. Reuters recently reported that NATO allies have agreed to fund €40 billion ($43.05 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in 2025. Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new NATO-Ukraine security agreement is in preparation. This document, according to Zelensky, "will guarantee our security until Ukraine joins NATO - a decision that is irreversible." Stoltenberg was careful to note that while this enhanced support "will not make NATO a party to the conflict," it will significantly bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. Read more:
- Reuters: NATO allies commit to € 40 billion support for Ukraine in 2025
- Stoltenberg hopes Ukraine to become NATO member in next 10 years
- NATO summit to reveal concrete steps for Ukraine's membership, US official says
