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.
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Stoltenberg is eager to receive additional commitments for strengthening Ukraine's air defense during the meeting of defense ministers in Brussels. Jens Stoltenberg commends the USA and Germany for their planned contribution of Patriot defense systems to Ukraine. Donald Trump has yet to express his stance on the matter, given his upcoming election. The Meeting of defense ministers in Brussels will discuss further aid for Ukraine's air defense, with an aim to have seven Patriot or equivalent systems by the NATO summit. Lloyd Austin intends to discuss more aid for Ukraine with his NATO allies during his trip to Brussels. Despite initial opposition, Hungary has agreed to no longer hinder the provision of aid to Ukraine, in exchange for assurances regarding military and financial assistance from Hungary. Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, emphasizes the need for at least seven Patriot systems to safeguard against Russian air strikes. Despite Stoltenberg's plan to shift responsibility for Ukraine aid to NATO and European nations in the event of a Trump victory, the final decision on coordination lies at the NATO summit.
