Stoltenberg anticipates additional pledges for Ukraine's air protection.
President Zelenskyy of Ukraine calls for a minimum of seven Patriot defense systems to shield against incoming Russian air strikes. Stoltenberg mentions Germany's commitment to send an extra Patriot system, as well as the one already sent. The US is also said to be preparing to give one.
US Defense Secretary, Austin, aims to talk with allies in Brussels about more aid for Ukraine. At first, this was intended to be part of the Ukraine Contact Group. Officials find it challenging to assemble seven Patriots or comparable systems before the upcoming NATO summit in around four weeks.
This two-day gathering of defense ministers is going to be the last one before the NATO meeting. A decision on reworking the coordination of Ukraine's aid is proposed. Given the possibility of Trump winning the November election, Stoltenberg has suggested handing over this responsibility to NATO and particularly to European nations. This way, Ukraine aid would be resistant to Trump, diplomats noted.
Up until now, Hungary has been against the scheme. But following a meeting with Prime Minister Orban in Budapest this week, Stoltenberg stated that Hungary would no longer hinder it. In exchange, Orban got a vow not to offer Ukraine any military or financial assistance. Orban is viewed as Putin's primary ally in the EU and NATO.
