NATO allies and participants in the Brussels meeting have pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, as Kyiv continues its slow progress in reclaiming Russian-held territory. The focus of this support will be on providing air defenses, ammunition, and intensifying F-16 fighter jet training. The meeting brought together representatives from about 50 countries in the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Ukraine, armed with Western weapons, is currently facing challenges from Russian attacks and heavily mined areas in its initial counteroffensive phase. In response, Britain, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States have announced their collaboration to supply Kyiv with hundreds of air-defense missiles and launch systems.
While Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged Ukraine’s steady progress, he cautioned that the conflict would not be resolved quickly. Describing the fight as difficult and violent, he praised the morale and adaptability of Ukrainian troops, contrasting them with the less-coherent Russian forces.
The US defense secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, also expressed admiration for Ukrainian resolve and the leadership of Denmark and the Netherlands in organizing F-16 pilot training. However, he noted that it would take several months before the pilots were fully ready. In a significant shift, the Biden administration recently approved the provision of F-16s to Ukraine, fulfilling a longstanding request.
Mr. Austin emphasized that the fight in Ukraine was a long-term commitment and not a short-term endeavor, ensuring Ukraine of continued support against Russian aggression. In addition to air-defense missiles, efforts are underway to supply spare parts, ammunition, and other equipment to maintain the functionality of Western-made Leopard tanks currently deployed in the counteroffensive.
The joint statement by the four allies highlights the importance of the air-defense missiles in protecting Ukrainian cities from Russian missile and drone attacks. Mr. Austin’s presence in Brussels was part of a two-day NATO defense ministers meeting, where preparations were being made for the upcoming summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
At the summit, Ukraine’s support and security arrangements, as well as defense production across the alliance to address Ukraine’s ammunition requirements, will be among the topics discussed. The ministers also plan to review new regional defense plans aimed at effectively defending NATO territory, with a potential deployment of over 300,000 troops on high readiness.
The meeting also touched on Sweden’s bid for NATO membership, which has been hindered by Turkey’s opposition. While Turkey has shown little movement on the matter, there is optimism that Sweden, having met Turkey’s demands regarding terrorism laws, will become a member soon. Discussions on a successor to the current NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, are also on the agenda. However, due to the complexity of the process, there is a possibility that Mr. Stoltenberg may be asked to extend his mandate.
While Britain’s defense secretary, Ben Wallace, has expressed interest in the position, France and other allies insist that the new secretary general come from a European Union country.
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