NATO is discussing a new strategy to provide direct weapons and ammunition support to Ukraine through a $100 billion “trust fund.”
This move aims to solidify Western backing for Ukraine and adapt to potential political shifts in the U.S. presidential election.
The proposal involves a joint funding mechanism requiring significant contributions from European nations, addressing burden-sharing issues within the alliance. This strategy is partly in response to concerns over the stability of U.S. support, especially if Donald Trump, who has criticised NATO allies’ defence spending, is re-elected.
However, the idea of NATO directly supplying weapons to Ukraine raises concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, which views NATO’s involvement as a threat to its borders. Despite these worries, the plan aims to coordinate long-term support for Ukraine’s armed forces, offering funding for weapons and training over the next five years.
According to NATO’s outgoing secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, contributions to the fund would be based on a “common distribution key,” with Germany, Britain, France, and the U.S. expected to provide significant portions of the funding.
The plan is seen as a way to demonstrate to the U.S., particularly Trump’s Republican supporters who have stalled a $60 billion aid package to Ukraine, that Europe is committed to supporting Ukraine.
NATO aims to finalise the agreement before a critical summit marking its 75th anniversary amid concerns over ammunition shortages in Ukraine and ongoing Russian advances.
This new approach to supporting Ukraine signals a long-term commitment from NATO and its Western allies.
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