By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels for a three-day ministerial that includes shoring up EU defense with a primary focus on Ukraine. In pre-ministerial press briefings, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Army General Mark Milley discussed their views about the situation in Ukraine. It’s the 13th meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group with defense ministers from 50 nations participating. Austin and Milley said a main priority right now for Ukraine is their air defense and making sure they have all the weapons and equipment they need to assist Ukraine in thwarting Russia’s aggressive attacks on the battlefield.
As Austin commented: “We continue to support Ukraine’s open-door policy, each country has it’s own policy on accession,” referring to Ukraine’s desire to be a member of NATO sooner rather than later. The defense secretary acknowledged there is an F-16 training program in the works for Ukraine but that requires extensive training and time for Ukrainian pilots to be ready to fly the fighter jets, Austin said. Austin added that the Netherlands and Denmark are heading up the training coordination. He added that their defense ministers will brief everyone on the plan and steps ahead.
General Mark Milley said:”Ukraine’s citizens don’t stand alone.” Milley pointed out that as far as F-16 training goes, that a whole lot more preparation and training has to happen before Ukrainian pilots are ready to fly them. Milley emphasized that more than 6,000 Ukrainians are being trained at 40 different locations and that the U.S. has trained to date at least 11,000 Ukrainians. With the international effort. Milley remarked that over 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained. He added; “The contact group has gotten Ukraine the tools it needs to succeed.” Milley further stated that: “Our assistance to Ukraine supports their cause to remain free and independent.”
What has been crucial, Milley highlighted, is the fact that “key lessons were learned in every fight.” He said “insights from the field” are incorporated into “our training” for Ukranian soldiers. This has resulted in being more flexible as Milley related: “We’ve changed in terms of things we’re providing them.” The focus and aim currently remains air defense. both Austin and Milley explained. They referred to a “new agreement being signed” which they said is crucial to getting the right equipment and maintenance to Ukraine so they are prepared for any eventualities. As Austin summed it up: “We continue to be inspired by the Ukrainian people,” while Milley stressed: “This war is a frontal assault” on the international order of all nations. He added: “We stand for bedrock principles.”
To that end, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made it clear that “billions of dollars in aid” to Ukraine have been pledged by a number of EU countries and the U.S. At the ministerial, he said that a number of nations including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, the U.S. and the UK have announced new long-term financial assistance for Ukraine to make sure that Ukraine is able to stay the course in the fight against Russia’s aggression. Stoltenberg pointed out that it’s of utmost importance to make sure that Ukraine is supported for the long haul and in its recovery when the war is over.
When asked about Ukraine’s NATO bid, the NATO chief made it clear that Ukraine and its allies will decide the where and when about Ukraine’s accession into NATO. Ukraine’s President Zelensky in a recent press briefing, said he wants a more definite commitment from NATO and its allies as to when Ukraine could expect to have its NATO membership fast-tracked into reality. Zelensky had even recently told the media that he saw no reason to attend if there weren’t going to be concrete steps taken toward Ukraine’s NATO bid. Zelensky was one of the first leaders invited to the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania July 11-12 where Ukraine and its priorities will take front and center stage.
At the end of the day, Austin, Milley and Stoltenberg all agree that the fight to save Ukraine is not just Ukraine’s fight – it’s a fight for all democracies worldwide especially in the EU, in light of the fact that Russia has already threatened its neighbors Georgia and Moldova. Stoltenberg and his NATO colleagues have said they are well aware that defense spending must take priority in EU nations across the board. He referred to 2 percent of a nation’s GDP to be spent on defense which Stoltenberg reiterated in absolutely a non-negotiable ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Current developments with Belarus announcing that is will receive nuclear arsenal from Russia does not bode well for surrounding nations or the world, Stoltenberg cautioned. Another danger is the increased attacks in close proximity to the largest nuclear facility in Ukraine at Zaporizhizhi, which puts millions in imminent danger.
This ministerial, Stoltenberg said will be an opportunity for defense ministers from 50 nations to collectively decide how best to defend the EU in the event of any further aggression by Russia and to recommit to providing Ukraine with the necessary ammunition, parts and weaponry needed to respond in the most effective way possible. Right now, Ukraine is in the middle of an aggressive counter-offensive instigated by Russia’s sudden, extremely aggressive attacks on cities like the resort town of Odessa. As Stoltenberg said, “Ukrainians are making gains,” adding “and it highlights that the support allies have been giving to Ukraine for many, many months has made a difference.” “We will also address how to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense,” Stoltenberg added. He said the ministers will discuss how to “ramp up production” since “it’s obvious this is a war of attrition.” Also, capability targets will be discussed and “we need to increase the targets to replenish our stocks” for Ukraine and that “allies have sufficient ammunition,” Stoltenberg added. The NATO chief said there are ongoing projects and that ministers will also agree to establish a new center for security that will be at Maritime Command in the UK.
Stoltenberg reiterated that he “expects many new pledges” for Ukraine concerning additional military support. He said it’s “ongoing support” and Ukraine needs sustainable support such as maintenance, repair process and all the parts it needs to be able to effectively defend itself. “First of all, I welcome the offer of several allies for the training of pilots for the F-16s.” He commended Denmark for taking the lead on this and said training has started on the fighter jets. Stoltenberg said he discussed with U.S. President Biden about defense across the board and said that he’s responsible for all decisions on defense matters for NATO. Stoltenberg is set to step down from his decade-long position in September and told the press that he will not seek an extension for his long-standing role as NATO chief.
