NATO: U.S. ‘override’ Plan behind the 100 billion-euro Stoltenberg package for Ukraine

Gens Stoltenberg’s head suggested yesterday (02.04. 24) a five-year military aid package of EUR 100 billion for . The package is intended to give the Western alliance a more direct role in supporting Kiev, diplomats told the Reuters news agency. It also aims to make aid to Ukraine less dependent on the US. The plan provides that NATO undertakes part of the coordinated work by the U.S.-led so-called “Ramstein Group” (ed. in Ramstein, Germany is the U.S. military base and country meetings have been convened to support Ukraine). The proposal is expected to be discussed at a two-day meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on today and tomorrow (03-04.04.24). The aim is to prepare a package before the NATO summit in Washington in July. So far, the defence alliance has been limited to providing non-lethal material for Ukraine, because it fears that a more direct role could cause escalation of tensions with Russia, notes Handlesblatt. Therefore, most of its members supply weapons to Ukraine on a bilateral basis. The EU also finances arms deliveries. According to diplomats, however, there is an increasing view within NATO that it is time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable, long-term basis. This is also due to U.S. disappointment: US President Joe Biden is unable to pass his huge military package for Ukraine from Congress. If Donald Trump returns to the White House after the November presidential election, American aid to Ukraine could also be completely terminated, fears are expressed. Under the plan, NATO could create its own mission for Ukraine, although it is not yet clear whether it will work within the country, diplomats said. There are also strong reservations about this in the German government. Diplomats pointed out that discussions on the proposal are still at an early stage. It was not clear whether the total amount of EUR 100 billion would be accepted or how it would be financed. All NATO decisions also require consensus among the 32 members of the alliance.