NATO foreign ministers convened on Wednesday to explore strategies for establishing sustained military assistance for Ukraine, including the consideration of a 100 billion euro ($107 billion) five-year fund. This proposal is viewed as a method to ensure continuous aid for Kyiv, even in the face of potential changes in U.S. leadership, hence the term “Trump-proof.”
According to diplomats, the proposals put forth by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg would involve the alliance taking a more active role in coordinating the provision of arms, ammunition, and equipment to support Ukraine in its conflict against Russia’s invasion.
These plans will be deliberated upon during a two-day gathering in Brussels, marking the 75th anniversary of NATO’s establishment and preparing for a summit of alliance leaders scheduled for July in Washington.
“We need to shift the dynamics of our support,” Stoltenberg said as he arrived at the Brussels meeting. “We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul, so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges.”
He declined to confirm levels of funding and said the aim was for a decision to be taken at the July summit.
Under the plans, NATO would take over some coordination work from a U.S.-led ad-hoc coalition known as the Ramstein group – a move designed in part to guard against any cut in U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House, diplomats said.
Until now, NATO as an organisation has focused on non-lethal aid for Ukraine out of fears that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia. Its members have provided billions of dollars in arms on a bilateral basis.
Diplomats said there was a growing view within NATO that it was time to put military aid to Ukraine on a more sustainable footing and NATO was best placed to do that.
But they said it was unclear whether the 100 billion euro figure would be accepted or how it would be financed. NATO decisions require consensus among its 32 members.
