NATO has not yet decided on how to remember Ukraine and Russia in the Summit Decision – Sources

In the future, the NATO Summit in the Hague plans to make the shortest final decision – up to five points, which contrasts with large -scale declarations of previous years, but it can play in favor of Ukraine.

Source: the article of “European Truth”

Details: Paradoxically, this format plays in favor of Ukraine. Due to the political situation in the United States, in particular, taking into account the views of Donald Trump, who openly declared the possibility of blocking the movement of Ukraine in NATO, to agree on new ambitious wording on Kyiv membership is almost impossible.

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In particular, the Washington Declaration of 2023 enshrined the “irreversible path” of Ukraine to membership. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed this week that this decision “remains valid”.

At the same time, new, less ambitious formulations could look like a step back.

That is why, as “European truth” writes, evasion of membership allows you to maintain the already acquired diplomatic status of Ukraine in relations with the Alliance – without the risk of formal weakening.

Despite the decline in format, Ukraine will probably be mentioned in the final document – at least in the context of funding for assistance, which can now be taken into account within the framework of the updated defense expenditures of the Allies.

The mention of Russia, which remains the main factor in strengthening the defense planning of the Alliance, will not be gone. At the same time, it is still unclear whether the allies will be able to achieve rigid formulations on the Russian Federation.

Another uncertainty is the participation of President Vladimir Zelensky. It is now known that Ukraine, like partners from Asia, has been invited only on the first day – official dinner. Whether a separate meeting with Trump or other bilateral contacts will take place – a question that is still being discussed.

It was also known that NATO leaders are preparing to make a decision to increase defense costs up to 5% of GDP – some of these costs will be directed to support Ukraine, which can significantly increase the defense capability of the Ukrainian defense forces.

It is expected that the new expense target will be divided: 3.5% of GDP – directly to military needs, another 1.5% – to wider security projects, including infrastructure.

Some NATO countries, such as Canada and Luxembourg, may use assistance to Ukraine as part of new obligations to increase defense costs up to 5% of GDP.

Read more in the “Eurocree” article: a compromise with Trump. What is preparing for Ukraine and the NATO Summit in Hague.