NATO to establish new mission in Germany for Ukraine military aid
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meet during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania July 12, 2023. (Reuters)
At the NATO summit in Washington from July 9–11, NATO will announce the establishment of a new mission based in Germany to coordinate long-term military assistance to Ukraine, according to the New York Times.
Named NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), this initiative aims to consolidate various forms of military aid, training, and security agreements from NATO countries.
It aims to improve efficiency and cohesion in the aid process while signaling steadfast allied support for both Kyiv and Moscow, irrespective of potential political changes in the United States.
Despite hopes from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and some Central European nations for membership negotiations at the summit, NATO will instead focus on setting up this new mission.
This decision aims to provide substantial support to Ukraine while maintaining that the current conditions are not right t for NATO membership due to ongoing conflicts and required reforms within Ukraine.
The mission will operate from Wiesbaden, Germany, under the leadership of a three-star general, likely an American, reporting to Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the top NATO and American general in Europe. This organizational structure aims to ensure continuity of the mission’s objectives, independent of potential shifts in U.S. political leadership.
NSATU will coordinate diverse aspects of military aid, including air defenses, artillery, F-16 fighter jets, arms, and training, aiming to eliminate redundancies and streamline the aid delivery process. For example, the coordination will address challenges such as France’s donation of Mirage fighter jets, which require distinct training and maintenance compared to F-16s.
NATO’s establishment of NSATU underscores a prolonged commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, potentially facilitating a smoother summit compared to previous discontent in Vilnius, Lithuania.
This approach aligns with President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany’s stance that Ukraine must implement significant reforms before pursuing NATO membership.
The initiative is part of NATO’s broader strategy to support Ukraine amidst escalating global tensions and conflicts. By reinforcing its support, NATO aims to reassure allies and deter Moscow, underscoring Western solidarity in backing Ukraine without direct involvement in the ongoing conflict.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized NSATU will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, paving the way for potential future NATO membership when conditions permit.
