“Putin wants nothing less, nothing less, than Ukraine’s total subjugation … and to wipe Ukraine off the map,” US President Joe Biden said in his welcome to delegates at the NATO summit in Washington DC.
“Ukraine can and will stop Putin,” he told the meeting.
The NATO summit’, which marks the 75th anniversary of the alliance, is focussing on new commitments of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised that the summit will “further strengthen” Ukraine’s path to NATO membership.
In a significant move, President Biden, along with leaders from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Romania, issued a joint statement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This announcement detailed the delivery of five additional Patriot air defence systems, among other strategic systems, to safeguard Ukrainian cities, civilians, and soldiers. More such systems are expected to be announced within the year.
Zelensky, who arrived in Washington on Tuesday and is scheduled to meet with Biden on Thursday, has highlighted Ukraine’s need for at least seven Patriot systems.
This goal has been met with the newly announced deliveries. On social media, Zelensky stated, “We are fighting for additional security guarantees for Ukraine – and these are weapons and finances, political support.”
Warning that “there are no cost-free options with an aggressive Russia as a neighbour; there are no risk-free options in a war,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the biggest cost and greatest risk will be if Russia wins in Ukraine, as this would embolden not only Putin but also other authoritarian leaders in Iran, North Korea, and China.
“The time to stand for freedom and democracy is now; the place is Ukraine,” he said.
Stoltenberg concluded by saying that the Alliance will continue to face difficult questions in the future, but that “we are stronger and safer together, in NATO.”
Ukraine’s ultimate aim is NATO membership to deter future Russian aggression.
However, NATO candidates must be unanimously approved by all alliance members, some of whom are cautious about provoking direct conflict with Russia. There are particular concerns about Hungary’s Viktor Orban, for example, who is considered by many to be “Putin’s boy” in Brussels.
Certain members advocate for a clear statement that Ukraine is moving “irreversibly” towards NATO, surpassing last year’s pledge that “Ukraine’s future is in NATO.”
As NATO marks its 75th anniversary, the alliance has found renewed purpose in countering Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The ongoing war will be a central topic in the leaders’ private discussions. Diplomats reveal that leaders, already apprehensive about the possibility of Trump’s return, arrived in Washington with fresh concerns about Biden’s staying power.
In response, Biden plans to hold a rare solo press conference on Thursday to address these concerns.
While Biden strives to rally both allies and domestic support, several senior European officials engaged with a top foreign policy adviser to Trump during the summit.
Political instability in Europe also casts a shadow, with France facing potential paralysis due to gains by left and far-right parties, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition weakened after poor European Parliament election results.
A U.S. intelligence official noted that Russia prefers Trump to win the upcoming election.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attending his first NATO summit, committed to increasing UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.
However, he emphasised that this increase would occur only when the country could afford it and after a comprehensive defence strategy review, leaving many to consider the promise as somewhat empty.
Russia running low on munitions.
A senior NATO official reported on Tuesday that Russia currently lacks the munitions and troops to launch a major offensive in Ukraine.
Russia needs to secure substantial ammunition supplies from other nations to continue its efforts.
Despite this, the official estimated that Russia could sustain its war economy for another three to four years. Conversely, it will take time before Ukraine can accumulate the necessary munitions and personnel to conduct large-scale offensive operations.
The NATO summit presents a united front in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, with substantial military aid and strategic commitments.
The alliance’s resolve remains clear, even as it navigates political uncertainties both within member states and in the broader geopolitical landscape.
