On Tuesday, President Biden vowed to continue assisting Ukraine in resisting Russian invasion at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches in 2024, the outcome in November could have a significant impact on the future of NATO, Europe, and other countries around the world. Therefore, the Washington summit is closely watched by domestic and international allies.
The White House hopes that through this week’s activities, Biden can convey a firm and confident image to avoid any slip-ups during presidential debates.
“Bid by Putin is that Ukraine be completely conquered… and wiped off the map,” Biden said in his speech, “Ukraine can and will stop Putin.”
The core of the 2024 NATO summit is to provide new military and humanitarian aid commitments to Ukraine and to pave the way for this war-torn country to become the 32nd member of the alliance.
Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Washington on Tuesday, stating that he will “strive” to obtain more resources from NATO to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and request more F-16 fighter jets.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Biden at the White House on Thursday and plans to deliver a speech on Tuesday evening.
Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that NATO will announce the establishment of a new military command in Germany responsible for training and equipping the Ukrainian forces. A senior representative will also be appointed to Ukraine to deepen the relationship.
A senior NATO official stated on Tuesday that Russia lacks the ammunition and troops needed for a large-scale offensive in Ukraine and needs to obtain a substantial supply of ammunition from other countries, not just the existing supply.
However, he estimated that Russia could sustain its war economy for three to four years and said Ukraine “still needs some time” to accumulate the ammunition and personnel needed for a large-scale offensive.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg earlier stated in Washington to the defense industry leaders in attendance that NATO leaders will commit to allowing European and North American arms manufacturers to produce more weapons.
He also announced that NATO has ordered nearly $700 million worth of “Stinger” anti-aircraft missiles on behalf of several member countries.
Man-portable “Stinger” missiles are in high demand in Ukraine and neighboring European countries, as they fear the need to repel Russian forces.
Stoltenberg also called out China, Iran, and North Korea in his speech for supplying weapons to Russia.
In Russia’s 2023 imports of microelectronics, 90% came from China, which Russia used for missiles, tanks, and aircraft. Additionally, these products have helped Russia improve satellite and imaging technology.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attending his first NATO summit in the U.S., stated he would fulfill his campaign promise to increase UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. However, he emphasized that he would only do so once the country is able to afford it and after reviewing national defense strategy.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that this summit will “further strengthen” the path for Ukraine to join NATO.
Ultimately, Ukraine hopes to join NATO to prevent any future attacks from Russia, but it requires approval from all NATO member countries, some of which are concerned about provoking direct conflict with Russia.
(Adapted from Reuters)