Scholz announces "clarity" for Ukraine's accession to NATO
At the start of the NATO summit, Chancellor Scholz promises more security for Ukraine. Regarding the question of whether and when the country can become a partnership member, there will be more clarity. NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg speaks of a "strong bridge" towards membership.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shown conviction that the NATO summit will provide clear security assurances for Ukraine's future. "I am sure that with the decisions we will make regarding Ukraine's prospects here, it will create the level of clarity that Ukraine needs to rely on," Scholz said in Washington on the sidelines of the NATO summit. He expects a "big success" and a "sign of unity" at the NATO summit.
Simultaneously, the Chancellor offered Ukraine additional air defense systems. "This process is not yet completed," Scholz said before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine had already requested seven additional Patriot systems in April, and Germany has already delivered three of them, with the expectation that other NATO countries will follow. "Germany has taken a big step in encouraging others to recognize that this is necessary," Scholz said.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also announced more security for Ukraine in Washington. He spoke of a "substantial package" for the country. One element would be a NATO command for Ukraine to ensure military aid and training. In addition, he expected long-term funding commitments from allies for the Russia-attacked country, further military support, and new bilateral security agreements with Ukraine.
Stoltenberg expects a declaration
These elements together would be "a strong bridge for Ukraine towards NATO membership," Stoltenberg said. He is confident that the allies will acknowledge that Ukraine should become a member of the transatlantic alliance. The exact wording of the declaration will still be negotiated.
Stoltenberg noted that 23 NATO members have already fulfilled the 2014 commitment to spend two percent of their economic output on defense. The remaining members want to follow soon. He is therefore confident that even a possible US President Donald Trump would stand for his country's membership in NATO. "We see no immediate threat against any NATO ally; Russia is fully engaged in the war against Ukraine," Stoltenberg added.
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz's promise of more security for Ukraine at the NATO summit includes the possibility of additional arms delivery, such as air defense systems.
- Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary-General, announced a substantial package of security measures for Ukraine, including a NATO command and long-term funding commitments, as part of a "strong bridge" towards membership.
- The attack on Ukraine by Russia has not deterred Norway, represented by Stoltenberg, from maintaining its commitment to NATO, with 23 members already meeting the 2% defense spending target.
- Olaf Scholz's conviction in securing a "big success" and a "sign of unity" at the NATO summit, in relation to Ukraine's prospects, indicates a collective resolve to support Ukraine amidst Russia's aggression.
