NATO's secretary general is proposing a plan for the alliance to control future aid packages, suggesting that the alliance consider taking on leadership of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also called the Ramstein group, that organizes the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. The plan would have the US step aside from leading the group that coordinates weapons deliveries to Ukraine. This move comes amid concerns that former President Donald Trump's potential reelection could pose challenges for Ukraine's future security, as well as continued inaction in Congress due to a stark political divide on providing Ukraine more money.
At a NATO meeting, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg raised the idea, emphasizing the need for reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine over the long term. He suggested relying less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, shifting control of the group away from the US, which has led it since Russia's full-scale invasion began. The plan aims to "shield the mechanism" of getting aid to Ukraine "against the winds of political change," amid a deepening political divide in Washington, DC.
Stoltenberg's plan also includes coordinating $100 billion from NATO allies over the next five years to ensure Ukraine gets the aid it needs to keep fighting. The proposal was first reported by POLITICO earlier this week.
While it's unclear if this plan will gain traction, especially before the NATO summit in July, its emergence reflects growing concern about US leadership. The Ukraine Defense Contract Group, which has been crucial in getting military aid to Ukraine, has faced challenges in recent months due to political roadblocks in Congress. As a result, European allies have stepped up their support.
Stoltenberg's proposal aims to address these challenges and ensure Ukraine's aid remains consistent, regardless of political changes in the US. However, the plan has faced pushback from the White House, which reiterated the importance of US leadership in the group.
Overall, Stoltenberg's proposal reflects NATO's efforts to navigate shifting political landscapes and ensure continued support for Ukraine's defense.