Stoltenberg on NATO's 40 billion annual support for Ukraine: will provide more predictability

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, commenting on the commitment of 40 billion in annual support for Ukraine from NATO members  NATO, the signing of which is expected at the summit in Washington, said that it will provide  a much higher level of predictability and accountability in support. He said this during a press conference, reports UNN.

"I  expect the allies to agree that we must continue our support, our economic support, our military support for Ukraine in a way that ensures that Ukraine prevails, that they are able to defend against Russian aggression today and deter in the future. I also expect us to refer to the 40 billion, which is the annual amount that the allies have provided to Ukraine so far, as a minimum baseline," Stoltenberg said.

He also expects allies to agree that there is a need to ensure that support is maintained, to guarantee Ukraine's victory, and that Alliance members will review commitments annually, not least to ensure that Ukraine has the forces needed to defeat the Russian invaders.

"It's a strong commitment. It's a commitment that provides more predictability. And it's a much better place than where we've been so far, where all of our support for Ukraine has depended on much more ad hoc, short-term statements, where there's often a problem with transparency and accountability. Statements have been made, but then we haven't seen them implemented. So one of the reasons why there's a financial commitment to NATO is also to ensure a much higher level of predictability and accountability. And also by agreeing that we will have a fair burden sharing, we will also use GDP, which will also make it more accountable and more sustainable," Stoltenberg revealed.

He noted that 40 billion is an annualized figure.

"It's important not to compare this to all other types of support. Many of these figures relate to many years. Secondly, some of the other support that is provided, for example, for macroeconomic support, which is credited over many years, is not comparable to annual support. And so one of the benefits of the pledge that I expect the allies will agree on next week is that we will also have some criteria or what and how to count. The additional accountability will provide more sustainability and predictability," Stoltenberg said.

He said it would create a much more institutionalized and solid base of support.

"And this is extremely important for Ukraine, and I'm sure it will minimize the risk that we will see again the same thing that we saw this winter and spring, big gaps, big delays in support, because then NATO will play a role in ensuring that allies deliver on promises. We agree on the criteria, we agree on the burden sharing, we agree on the level of ambition and we agree that we intend to provide what Ukraine needs for deterrence and defense," Stoltenberg said.

Supplement

Reuters, citing a Western European diplomat,reportedthat NATO allies have agreed to annually fund 40 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.

NATO leaders are expected to sign the pledge at the July 9-11 summit in Washington.