NATO agrees to provide extensive support to Ukraine

‘NATO stands firmly unified in its support to Ukraine’s fight to defend itself. I am pleased the NATO countries have agreed on important, concrete measures at this summit. It is crucial not just for Ukraine, but for the security and safety of all of Europe that Russia does not achieve its aims. Ukraine’s safety and security are inextricably linked to our own,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

In a joint declaration issued Thursday at the Washington Summit, the NATO members affirmed, among other things:  

• Continued provision of EUR 40 billion in military assistance within the next year.
• The defence Alliance will take on a larger role in the coordination of training and weapons support for Ukraine. It was emphasised, however, that NATO’s coordinating role does not mean that NATO is becoming a party to the conflict.

‘NATO’s stronger role in Ukraine does not make the Alliance a party to the conflict. But there is a deeper acknowledgement among the leaders of the Alliance that the situation is grave for Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security alike. The fact that we have reached this agreement for Ukraine is important in and of itself,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

NATO has decided to establish NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), which will coordinate the provision of training and donations to Ukraine. Hundreds of people will be working with this. Among other things, the aim is to enhance interaction with Ukraine, support burden-sharing among the Allies and ensure transparency with regard to the contributions.

The NATO countries also agreed to strengthen civilian staffing at the NATO Representation to Ukraine in Kyiv and to appoint a Senior Representative as a focal point to ensure adequate coordination between Ukrainian needs, Allied support and the multi-pronged efforts of NATO. NATO will not have a military presence in Ukraine.    

‘The summit shows that Ukraine is not alone, but has the strong support of the Alliance. The decisions taken in Washington demonstrate clearly that our support for Ukraine’s battle to defend itself remains steadfast for the long-term. Putin is wrong to believe time is on his side,’ said Mr Eide.  

The pledges of military support are the most important part of the new declaration.

‘The declaration establishes a commitment to draw up concrete plans as well as to accelerate and intensify our efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s own defence capability,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.

Norway is already taking active part in various aspects of the effort to assist Ukraine, including in the training and instruction of Ukrainian soldiers. Other key components of Norwegian support include weapons support and air defence. This week Norway announced important new measures, such as the donation of six fighter jets, an agreement for more than NOK 1 billion in funding that will make it possible to increase Norwegian production of artillery ammunition and missiles, and additional support to provide assistance to Ukraine in the course of 2024.