Since the Russian invasion, some 50 countries meet regularly at the US military base Ramstein in Germany – to plan military support operations for Ukraine under the leadership of the US through the “Ukraine Defense Contact Group”, UDCG.
Concern about lack of support
The United States has so far provided most of the support to Ukraine, but concern is now growing among EU leaders that Donald Trump will stop support completely if he is elected president this fall.
The war in Ukraine
Researcher: Low probability of France sending combat troops
Tutkija: “Euroopalla ei ole teerätä huisttä thaitetta Ukrainan arhagen”
– It remains to be seen, but it is very important that the support on both sides of the Atlantic continues and is long-term, what is pleasing is that Germany is increasing its support, and France has announced that it will increase its support, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M ) which is on site in Ramstein.
Right now, a number of European countries are preparing for how to handle a possible situation where American aid to Ukraine is stopped more permanently.
– There is a preparation among many European countries, both because they have to take greater responsibility for Europe’s security, through increased defense investments, but also that they will have to take greater responsibility for the support to Ukraine, says Pål Jonson.
NATO may have an increased role
Another consequence of a possible reduced US commitment to Ukraine support is that NATO may play a greater role – instead of the US-led UDCG.
– It could happen that NATO gets an increased role linked to the support for Ukraine.
Do you see any risk that this will then allegedly be a war between NATO and Russia?
– No, it is Russian narrative. What it is about is partly that NATO has a Ukraine Council that has been established since the Vilnius meeting last summer, and partly that there is a fund that NATO uses to support the Ukrainians with fuel and certain types of defense equipment, so that is basically what it is about , but also that NATO can take an increased role in terms of support for Ukraine.