NATO proposes a $100 billion, five year fund to support Ukraine

NATO proposes a $100 billion, five year fund to support Ukraine.

Allies are currently in discussions about Stoltenberg’s proposal and the logistical aspects of the accounting, including whether to incorporate bilateral aid to Ukraine into the total sum, according to sources familiar with the talks.

The proposal, which requires approval from all 32 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is expected to undergo changes before receiving final approval, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

As part of the plan, NATO could potentially assume the operational responsibilities of the US-led Ukraine Contact Defense Group, which coordinates weapons deliveries from approximately 50 countries to Ukraine, the sources added. With NATO’s supreme allied commander, General Chris Cavoli, at the helm, this move could safeguard the structure from any political changes that might occur after the November elections.

The possibility of Donald Trump's return has sparked increased dialogue among allies about steps Europe should take to ensure US commitment to transatlantic security. It has also raised concerns among European officials that Trump could withdraw US aid to Ukraine, particularly in light of comments suggesting he would seek to end the war quickly.

If allies support Stoltenberg’s proposal, NATO taking a more active role in aiding Ukraine would represent a significant shift for the military alliance, which has previously kept its distance from such efforts to avoid being drawn into a broader conflict with Russia.

However, institutionalizing NATO's support could demonstrate their long-term commitment to Ukraine, especially as Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be betting on outlasting Kyiv's allies, particularly since it is unlikely that formal invitation to join the alliance will be extended to Ukraine when leaders convene in early July in Washington.

While having NATO lead discussions on aid to Ukraine could protect the process from US politics, it could also expose the talks to internal disagreements among the alliance’s 32 members, including with Turkey and Hungary taking more nuanced stances in their support for Ukraine.

These discussions are taking place as NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday to commemorate the alliance’s 75th anniversary on April 4th. In addition to discussing support for Ukraine, ministers are also expected to consider who will succeed Stoltenberg when his term ends in October.

The US and other allies had hoped to conclude the discussions in time for the ministers' meeting and confirm Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the role. However, Romania recently surprised allies by nominating its own candidate, President Klaus Iohannis, leading to a likely delay in the decision, despite Rutte having garnered support from a large majority of the alliance.

Some Eastern European countries had expressed concerns about geographical representation within the alliance, as recent NATO chiefs have come from either Nordic countries or the Netherlands. However, even Baltic leaders are now endorsing Rutte.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced on Tuesday on social media platform X that she supports Rutte for NATO’s secretary general. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda also stated at a press conference in Vilnius that he has endorsed the Dutch leader.