NATO's Strategic Plans to Bolster Ukraine's Support in Uncertain Times

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is exploring various options to enhance long-term backing for Ukraine. This includes the possibility of creating a $100 billion fund over five years from alliance members, as reported by three sources knowledgeable about the situation.

"It's about preparing for the future," remarked a senior European diplomat familiar with the talks. The proposed changes aim to make it harder for individual NATO members to quickly change or halt their support for Ukraine.

The fund may not be big enough to fully support Ukraine's war effort against Russia for a long time. However, it would provide the country with a crucial base of support that NATO officials consider important. They are concerned that if Donald Trump is re-elected in November, the US may no longer be willing to offer additional support to Kyiv.

On Tuesday, Stoltenberg emphasized the need for the alliance to pledge increased support for Ukraine and reduce reliance on voluntary contributions.

"We are turning NATO’s full support package for Ukraine into a long-term assistance program," he mentioned during a press conference before a NATO foreign ministers’ gathering in Brussels on Wednesday. At the meeting, ministers will talk about "how NATO can take on a bigger role in organizing military equipment and training for Ukraine."

He emphasized the importance of providing consistent, dependable security aid to Ukraine, stating that NATO allies currently supply 99% of all military assistance to the country.

Trump's allies in congress have been against providing ongoing support to Ukraine, causing delays in the approval of more funding for Ukraine. However, the former president has not clearly outlined his Ukraine policy, although he has shown his disapproval of the US sending large sums of money to Kyiv.

Some former officials from the Trump administration believe that he would not immediately withdraw US support for Ukraine. They suggest that he may aim to quickly resolve the conflict by engaging with key players from both sides. They acknowledge that this approach could potentially result in Ukraine having to concede some territory currently under Russian control.

One of the other ideas being discussed is for NATO to take charge of the Pentagon-led Ukraine Contact Defense Group, which plays a key role in coordinating the logistics of weapons shipments to Ukraine, according to the sources.

If this proposal is implemented, it would reduce the influence of Trump's presidency on the process of delivering essential weapons support to Ukraine from various countries worldwide.

Politico was the first to report that NATO is considering taking these actions.

According to one source, there is also a current effort for NATO countries to make their own agreements with Ukraine. This would allow for funding to come from sources other than NATO, reducing the risk of disruption by individual alliance members.

CNN’s Louis Mian and Eve Brennan contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The proposed measures by NATO to enhance long-term support for Ukraine are a critical step towards ensuring the country's resilience against ongoing Russian aggression. The establishment of a $100 billion fund and the potential transfer of the Ukraine Contact Defense Group to NATO's authority would provide Ukraine with a stable and reliable source of military and financial assistance. It is crucial that NATO remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine, regardless of potential shifts in US policy under a Trump presidency.

Furthermore, the exploration of bilateral agreements between NATO countries and Ukraine highlights the growing recognition of the need for diversified support. By reducing the dependency on individual NATO members, Ukraine can mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical shifts and ensure the continuity of vital aid. This collective effort demonstrates the international community's unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its determination to support its fight for sovereignty and independence.