Over the next year, Germany and other NATO countries promised $43b to help Ukraine strengthen its forces. This decision will strengthen Ukraine’s defense against the ongoing Russian invasion and legally bring Kyiv on an ‘unavoidable trajectory towards NATO membership.
Other promises, stated in a final declaration, concern the first F-16 fighter jets to be supplied by NATO to Ukraine no later than by summer. At the same time, the U. S. said that it will place longer-range missiles in Germany in 2026 in response to Russia’s increasing menace to Europe.
Thus, though NATO promised to provide Ukraine with heavy military support, the alliance did not agree to accept Ukraine into its ranks as a member country at once. The communique said “Ukraine’s Future is in NATO,” meaning that the invitation would be given “once NATO and Allies agree and conditions are ready.
Speaking about Ukrainian membership, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that Ukraine is unlikely to become an immediate member of NATO; however, it is expected to join after the war to prevent Russia from launching another invasion. NATO itself ramped up its confrontation with China, Black denouncing it as the ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia’s invasion.
However, as noted, the pledges could also have a ‘short shelf life’ if a more skeptical US presidential candidate is elected in the next election. However, military support is considered one of the important measures in maintaining and developing the Ukrainian stand on the fight and future talks.
