NATO is ready to take over the coordination of the delivery of weapons to Ukraine and is pushing for a new 40 billion package to help Kiev in the war against Russia. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on the eve of the summit of the Defense Ministers of the Atlantic Alliance which will open today in Brussels. “I expect ministers to approve a plan for NATO to lead the coordination of security assistance and training in Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said at a crucial moment in the war.
Kiev has faced Russian pressure in the Kharkiv region in recent weeks and recently got the green light to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. Among the various countries, some have granted authorization without constraints. The United States has made it clear that Ukraine cannot use ATACMS long-range missiles, which have a range of 300 km, to strike deep into Russian territory. Each country has so far managed aid to Kiev essentially independently. NATO now intends to play a director’s role.
A new 40 billion package
The secretary general will ask the members of the Atlantic Alliance to approve a new military aid package worth 40 billion for Ukraine, Stoltenberg explained. ”Since Russia began its large-scale invasion in 2022, our allies have provided 40 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine every year. We must maintain this level of help as a minimum and for as long as necessary,” Stoltenberg said.
Rebus Hungary
A crucial appointment is represented by the July summit. There, the spotlight was on Hungary and the position of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the coldest member of the alliance when it comes to military support for Kiev.
Stoltenberg, however, is convinced that everything will go smoothly. ”Hungary will not prevent other NATO allies from providing financial support to Ukraine. In exchange, Hungary will not finance any military support to Ukraine”says the general secretary, confident after a meeting with the Hungarian prime minister.
