NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of constant support of Ukraine from partner countries and allies. He emphasized that the reliability of Western defense assistance will affect how long Russia will continue its military aggression.
During his visit to the United States and a speech at the Wilson Center in Washington, Stoltenberg answered questions from journalists about American aid to Ukraine and the upcoming NATO summit, which will take place next month.
The Secretary General noted that one of the main topics of the summit will be Ukraine.
“Following the full-scale invasion of Russia, NATO allies provided an unprecedented level of support. This was necessary for Ukrainians to fight back and preserve their sovereignty. But this winter and spring, we've seen serious delays and gaps in support that have had consequences on the front lines," Stoltenberg said.
He stressed that such delays cannot be allowed to happen again.
"That is why I expect that at the summit the Alliance leaders will agree that NATO will lead the coordination and provision of security and training assistance for Ukraine," he said.
Stoltenberg also suggested creating a long-term fund with regular funding.
"The more reliable our long-term support is, the sooner Moscow will understand that it cannot wait for us, and the sooner this war will end. It may seem like a paradox, but the way to peace is more weapons for Ukraine," the Secretary General noted.
In addition, he welcomed the $60 billion aid package to Ukraine passed by the US Congress in April.
"This is important and complements the efforts of other NATO members," Stoltenberg said.
On June 14, NATO defense ministers approved the "operational plan for expanding support to Ukraine." It envisages a greater role for the Alliance in supplying weapons and training the Ukrainian military.
According to Stoltenberg, this will allow bloc leaders to begin this work at the Washington summit in July, ensuring stronger support for Ukraine for years to come.
It should be noted that the USA currently controls the provision of aid to Ukraine. However, due to the upcoming presidential elections in the States, it was decided to transfer these functions to the North Atlantic Alliance.
