NATO reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine and for the democratic values that the alliance embodies

2024-07-10 22:10:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

NATO reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine and for the democratic values

The NATO high-level meeting continues in Washington and at its center remains the support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, which is being characterized by the leaders of the alliance and member countries as a support for democracy and peace. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, and the heads of other NATO member countries are expected to announce new military aid to Ukraine.

On Wednesday, in a meeting, the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, confirmed that other F-16 planes sent by Denmark and the Netherlands have been sent to Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he expects a significant package for Ukraine to be approved at the high-level meeting. Mr Stoltenberg said the package would include a new NATO command for Ukraine to provide security assistance and training, and a long-term commitment to continue support for Kiev.

Mr. Stoltenberg also said that he expects the allies to repeat the commitment that Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

Ambassador Michael Carpenter, Special Advisor to President Joe Biden and Director for Europe at the National Security Council, confirmed for Voice of America that in an alliance communique it is said that Ukraine's path to NATO "is irreversible".

However, Ukraine is not expected to receive an invitation for membership at this meeting.

"We have always been advocates of Ukraine's future in NATO. The question is, how can we convey the message of our strong will to see as soon as possible progress towards the ultimate goal of Ukraine's membership in the Alliance? Through the summit, we are trying to provide this bridge to membership," said Mr. Carpenter.

Meanwhile, according to a version of the communique quoted by Reuters, NATO calls on China to stop supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, saying that with its help to Russia, China continues to pose challenges to Europe and global security. The allies also say they will expand other partnerships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Yesterday at a ceremony in honor of NATO's 75th anniversary, President Joe Biden welcomed the leaders of the member countries, arguing strongly that the strength of the alliance serves peace. He made the comments at a time that is perhaps the biggest test in NATO's history.

"It is something positive that today we are stronger than ever. Because this moment in history needs our collective strength. Terrorist groups continue to plan malicious plots to cause chaos and suffering. In Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his aggression against Ukraine. And Putin wants the complete subjugation of Ukraine, aims to end Ukrainian democracy, destroy Ukrainian culture and wipe Ukraine off the map. And we know that Putin will not stop in Ukraine. But Ukraine can and will stop Putin."

His arguments were reinforced by other members of his administration. National security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking to defense industry executives, cited the ancient Roman saying: "If you want peace, prepare for war."

The head of the alliance, Jens Stoltenberg himself, requested the intensification of the commitment of the defense industry.

"Sign a new pledge that would make our defense industry across Europe and North America stronger, more innovative and more capable."

President Biden praised Mr. Stoltenberg's role in the alliance by surprising the former Norwegian prime minister with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor.

But analysts are questioning whether this show of presidential strength at the meeting is being overshadowed by Mr Biden's domestic political problems, after a debate where his performance was poor, prompting calls even within his own party for him to withdraw. from the race.

"This should remind us how critical American leadership is to this alliance. It was founded by the United States. It exists and thrives because of American leadership. And when doubts arise about American leadership and American leaders, the consequences for NATO are amplified," Giselle Dinnelly of the "American Enterprise" Institute tells VOA.

It is a critical reminder as NATO gathers under President Biden's hospitality that either his weakness or his strength have an impact beyond the borders of the United States./ Voa