NATO steps in as U.S. hands over Ukraine aid duties
NATO has assumed the coordination of military aid for Ukraine from the United States, to safeguard the aid mechanism from President-elect Donald Trump's influence.
NATO has taken over the coordination of Western military aid for Ukraine from the United States. According to Reuters, this decision aims to protect the aid mechanism from President-elect Donald Trump, known for his skepticism of the Alliance. This transition gives NATO a more direct role in countering the Russian invasion without deploying its own armed forces.
Diplomats' concerns
Nevertheless, diplomats caution that this change may have limited effects. If the Trump administration reduces its support, the United States could significantly weaken Ukraine's position, as its aid comprises the bulk of military support for Kyiv. The headquarters for NATO's new mission in Ukraine, named NATO Support for Security and Training in Ukraine (NSATU), is situated at the U.S. base in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Previously, Western military aid for Ukraine was coordinated by the so-called Ramstein Group, a coalition of about 50 countries, under U.S. leadership. During his first term as president, Trump threatened to withdraw the United States from NATO and demanded that allies spend 3% of their GDP on military purposes, though NATO's requirement is 2%.
