Over the course of NATO’s annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, this week, Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky’s aspirations for Ukrainian membership in the military alliance were met with tempered responses. Despite not receiving a formal invitation or a clear timeline for accession, Ukraine has managed to secure significant support and military aid from its NATO allies.
During the summit, President Zelensky expressed his understanding that concerns about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might hinder discussions about its NATO membership. However, he highlighted the importance of the signals of support he received from allies, emphasizing that Ukraine’s future in NATO remains a shared goal. While a direct invitation to join the alliance would have been ideal, he acknowledged the need for realistic expectations and expressed gratitude for the commitments made by NATO.
Throughout the summit, NATO allies reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s security and provided a range of tangible support. Here is a summary of the key commitments:
1. Longer Range Missiles: France has pledged to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles called SCALP, or Storm Shadow. These missiles have the longest range of any Western weapon provided to Ukraine so far. This new capability will enable Ukraine to target areas beyond the front lines, including Russian-occupied regions in the east.
2. Weapons and Equipment: The United Kingdom has committed to providing more than 70 combat and logistic vehicles, ammunition for Challenger 2 tanks, and a £50 million support package for equipment repair. Germany has announced a €700 million package, including battle tanks, anti-drone and anti-mine systems, and artillery ammunition. Norway will contribute a 2.5 billion kroner aid package, consisting of ultra-light drones and components for air defense missile systems.
3. Fighter Jet Training: Eleven NATO countries, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, will train Ukrainian pilots to fly American F-16 fighter jets. This training, supported by the Biden Administration, marks a significant development after Ukraine’s appeal for modern fighter jets. The first batch of F-16s is expected to arrive in Ukraine by late September.
4. Long-Term Security Framework: The United Kingdom and its G7 counterparts are set to ratify a comprehensive security pact. The pact will encompass defense equipment, enhanced intelligence sharing, and increased training programs and military exercises. It underscores the commitment to protect Ukraine’s security in the long term.
These commitments demonstrate a significant show of solidarity and support from NATO allies toward Ukraine. While the path to full NATO membership may require additional steps, the military aid provided and strengthened partnership will bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and contribute to its security.
As the summit concludes, President Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support and assistance offered by NATO allies. The commitments made during this summit will bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and continue its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Business Press 