NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining substantial annual military aid to Ukraine, urging member countries to commit to a minimum of 40 billion euros ($43 billion) each year. On May 31, 2024, Stoltenberg attended an informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Prague and held a press conference. This plea follows the meeting, where long-term support for Ukraine was a primary focus.

Stoltenberg’s call for continued and equitable financial contributions underscores NATO’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, NATO allies, predominantly led by the United States, have provided significant military aid to Ukraine. This assistance has been crucial in helping Ukraine resist the invasion and sustain its defense efforts.

“Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, allies have provided approximately 40 billion euros worth of military aid to Ukraine each year. We must maintain at least this level of support each year, for as long as necessary,” Stoltenberg stated. The NATO chief stressed that the alliance’s support needs to be reliable and predictable to enable Ukraine to plan and conduct its self-defense operations effectively.

In his address, Stoltenberg proposed that NATO’s 32 member countries should share the financial burden equitably. He suggested that one way to measure each country’s commitment could be based on their gross domestic product (GDP). This approach aims to ensure that all members contribute fairly, considering their economic capacities. However, the plan is still in the preliminary stages, and NATO officials will work on the details in the coming months.

The goal is to finalize and announce a multi-year financial pledge for Ukraine at a summit of NATO leaders in Washington this July. This long-term commitment would provide Ukraine with the necessary predictability and assurance to continue its defense against Russian aggression.

Despite Stoltenberg’s strong advocacy for continued support, the proposal faces several challenges. One of the main concerns is ensuring that countries stick to their commitments, especially if there are changes in government leadership. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky highlighted this issue, referring to it as “the trillion dollar question.”

Lipavsky welcomed Stoltenberg’s proposal, noting that the suggested financial contributions are manageable as they represent only a small fraction of overall defense expenditures. However, he emphasized the need for mechanisms to ensure that future governments honor these commitments, a critical factor for the sustainability of long-term support.

Another significant aspect of NATO’s strategic discussions is the coordination of weapon supplies to Ukraine. Currently, the United States is primarily responsible for coordinating these efforts, while NATO has largely avoided direct involvement to prevent potential provocations from Moscow. However, there is growing support for NATO to take over this role from the US.

Proponents argue that making NATO responsible for coordinating military aid could insulate future deliveries, particularly if former President Donald Trump, who has been critical of NATO, returns to the White House. On the other hand, some fear that this shift could introduce additional bureaucracy and complicate the process.

Stoltenberg addressed these concerns, stating that NATO is advancing plans to play a greater coordinating role in providing equipment and training to Ukraine. “Practically all military aid to Ukraine — 99 percent — comes from NATO Allies. So, it makes sense that NATO should play a greater role in these efforts,” he said.

Ukraine’s strategic importance to NATO and the broader international community cannot be overstated. The country serves as a critical buffer between NATO member states and Russia, and its stability is vital for the security of Europe. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the need for a robust and united response from NATO to deter further Russian aggression.

Despite Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, the alliance has made it clear that concrete progress toward membership is not expected in the near future. This stance, led by the United States and Germany, reflects the complexities and sensitivities involved in expanding NATO membership during an ongoing conflict. However, NATO’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through military aid and strategic cooperation remains steadfast.

As NATO works on finalizing its long-term financial pledge for Ukraine, the alliance faces a critical juncture. Ensuring sustained and equitable support for Ukraine is essential not only for the country’s defense but also for the stability and security of Europe as a whole. Stoltenberg’s call for a firm commitment from NATO members highlights the urgency and importance of this support.

In the coming months, NATO will need to navigate the challenges of ensuring member commitments, coordinating military aid, and addressing the broader strategic implications of its support for Ukraine. The upcoming summit in Washington will be a crucial milestone in this process, providing an opportunity for NATO leaders to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine and outline a clear path forward.

Jens Stoltenberg’s appeal for continued military aid to Ukraine reflects NATO’s unwavering support for the country in its fight against Russian aggression. By calling for equitable burden-sharing and a multi-year financial pledge, Stoltenberg aims to ensure that Ukraine has the resources and predictability needed to sustain its defense efforts. As NATO prepares for its summit in Washington, the alliance faces the critical task of solidifying its long-term support for Ukraine, a key factor in maintaining regional stability and security.