NATO Agrees to Redirect Some Ukraine Assistance and Training from United States

June 14, 2024 TruthUSA

The NATO allies have agreed on a new plan to distribute security assistance and training for Ukrainian forces more widely across the Western alliance.

For years, the United States has been the primary NATO member responsible for providing security assistance and training to Ukraine’s military, especially as it faces conflict on its eastern border with Russia. Much of this assistance has been coordinated through the Pentagon-run Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Friday a new agreement that will establish a new Ukraine aid coordinating center in Wiesbaden, Germany. This new plan works alongside the existing Pentagon-led UDCG, rather than replacing it.

The new coordinating office, based at a U.S. military base, will be staffed by approximately 700 personnel from NATO alliance countries and other nations supporting Ukraine. It will also oversee logistical nodes along the eastern edge of the alliance.

The NATO coordinating office will fall under NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO), led by NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). Currently, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli holds the position of SACEUR and also leads the U.S. European Command (EUCOM).

Stoltenberg stated that placing NATO in charge of coordinating Ukraine assistance will enhance support, coherence, and interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces. This arrangement will also address both short-term and long-term needs of Ukraine’s military.

US Political Rift Over Ukraine Aid

The new NATO agreement coincides with congressional Republicans opposing further Ukraine-related aid. Former President Donald Trump has also expressed a preference for negotiating a quick settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict if he returns to the White House. He has suggested restructuring U.S. aid to Ukraine as a loan.

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On June 13, President Biden and Mr. Zelenskyy signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement to demonstrate ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. The agreement outlines continued security cooperation without specifying new U.S. financial commitments or legally binding obligations.

This week, G7 leaders agreed to use approximately $50 billion in frozen Russian assets as collateral for an additional loan to assist Ukraine.

Stoltenberg has urged NATO members to collectively contribute at least $40 billion annually to sustain support for Ukraine, addressing issues where some members had pledged support but failed to deliver on those promises.

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