F-16 aircraft, anti-aircraft defense batteries and surface-to-air missiles… NATO countries multiplied, on Wednesday July 10, the pledges of increased material support to Ukraine, on the first day of the summit marking the 75th anniversary of the Alliance. A material reinforcement whose deliveries have already begun, the members welcomed, and which should reach the sum of 40 billion euros over the coming year, they pledged.
This symbolic and material boost in support for the North Atlantic Alliance was triggered in part by “deep concerns” in the West about China’s growing civilian and military aid to Russia. “We cannot afford to let the Alliance fall behind,” warned US President Joe Biden.
Key information to remember
⇒ NATO has multiplied promises of military aid, from F-16s to anti-aircraft systems
⇒ The Alliance commits to providing 40 billion euros in aid to Ukraine over the year
⇒ NATO denounces Chinese support for Russia
NATO strengthens its material support
Even before the official opening of their historic summit, several NATO countries announced that they had already started transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In detail, the Netherlands promised to send 24 F-16s, Belgium 30 by 2028 and Denmark 19 of these multirole combat aircraft, which “will fly in Ukrainian skies this summer”, assured US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Belgium and Norway have committed to providing other aircraft to Ukraine.
A total of five additional air defence systems will also be provided by the allies, including four Patriot batteries, surface-to-air missiles that are particularly effective in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Italy are also expected to contribute.
While the symbol is strong, it will not be enough, “because quite simply, there will not be enough,” reacted Mark Cancian, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, on Thursday. In mid-May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated that his country needed 120 to 130 F-16s to end Russia’s domination in the air. Western promises total less than 100, moreover with deliveries spread out over time.
40 billion euros for the coming year
Joe Biden also welcomed during the Washington summit that 23 of the 32 countries in the alliance would now devote 2% of their gross domestic product to military spending. “We intend to set aside a base envelope of at least 40 billion euros for the coming year, and then maintain security assistance at a sustainable level, so that Ukraine prevails,” the 32 NATO countries specified.
NATO concerned about Chinese support for Russia
NATO countries, concerned about China’s assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine, will discuss the issue with their Asia-Pacific partners on Thursday, before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing raises “deep concerns” within the Atlantic Alliance. “China is decisively helping Russia in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg denounced on Wednesday. “We cannot afford to let the Alliance be left behind,” warned US President Joe Biden.
NATO accuses China of supplying dual-use equipment, both civilian and military, to Russia, such as microprocessors. All of this equipment allows Moscow to “produce missiles, bombs, planes and weapons,” Stoltenberg said. And the fact that this accusation is now “clearly acknowledged” by NATO countries is “a very important message” to Beijing, he stressed.
“Cold War Mentality,” China Responds
For its part, China on Thursday denounced a NATO statement “marked with a Cold War mentality and bellicose rhetoric,” according to a statement from the spokesperson of the Chinese mission to the European Union (EU). “NATO should stop hyping up a so-called Chinese threat, stop inciting confrontation and rivalry, and contribute more to world peace and stability,” he stressed, denouncing remarks “filled” with “slander.”
Ukraine on ‘irreversible’ trajectory towards NATO
Ukraine had hoped to receive a formal invitation to join NATO, but will have to wait due to opposition from several countries, including the United States. However, the members of the organization agree that Ukraine is on an “irreversible trajectory” towards membership in the Atlantic alliance, according to the final communiqué. For German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the decisions taken by NATO “provide Ukraine with the clarity it needs.”