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What the NATO Summit Decided on Ukraine: Key Points of the Declaration
The final declaration of the NATO summit contains about 60 mentions of Ukraine. It emphasizes that Russia’s full-scale invasion has undermined global security, and identifies the aggressor as a direct threat to NATO countries. Here are the key decisions and directions for supporting Ukraine outlined in the declaration.
Creation of the NATO Security Assistance and Training Service for Ukraine (NTASU)
Allies approved the creation of NTASU, which will be a permanent structure to support Ukraine. NTASU will operate in NATO countries and help transform Ukraine’s Defense Forces by integrating them into the North Atlantic Alliance. It’s important to note that NTASU will not make NATO a party to the conflict but will provide long-term assistance and training.
Long-Term Military Assistance
NATO countries committed to providing long-term assistance to Ukraine in the form of military equipment and the development of forces capable of resisting Russian aggression. Plans include allocating €40 billion by 2025 for:
- Procurement of military equipment
- Material assistance
- Maintenance, logistics, and delivery of equipment
- Military training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Investments and support for the Ukrainian defense industry
- Contributions to trust funds, including non-lethal assistance
Progress reports will be provided twice a year, and contributions from NATO countries will be reviewed at future summits.
Launch of the Joint Analytical, Training, and Educational Center NATO-Ukraine (JATEC)
The summit advanced the creation of JATEC and the appointment of a senior NATO representative in Ukraine. The communiqué emphasizes that Ukraine continues its vital work towards full NATO membership, confirming the progress made since the 2023 summit in Vilnius.
Support with F-16 Fighter Jets
The summit announced the delivery of multi-role F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The US and its allies, including Denmark and the Netherlands, confirmed that the first F-16s are already on their way. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that F-16s will help protect against attacks like the one on the “Okhmatdyt” children’s hospital in Kyiv.
Defense Cooperation and the First Contract with Denmark
President Zelensky met with representatives of US defense companies to discuss joint production of ammunition and equipment. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the creation of the “Defense Fund” and the signing of the first contract with Denmark for the supply of 18 self-propelled artillery systems “Bohdana.”
Additional Assistance from Partners
NATO countries continue to announce additional assistance. Portugal will provide €220 million, Canada – CAD 500 million, and the Netherlands will allocate €300 million for the procurement of ammunition for the F-16s. Luxembourg has allocated €80 million for defense assistance and pledges to maintain support for 10 years.
The NATO summit demonstrated the Alliance’s unity in supporting Ukraine and adopting concrete measures to strengthen its defense capabilities. The announced initiatives and projects will contribute to the enhancement of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership.
Source: RBC
