NATO to offer Ukraine 'bridge' to membership at upcoming summit – media

The New York Times writes about it.

At NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington, the alliance plans to set up a new headquarters to manage military assistance to Ukraine, signaling a long-term commitment to the country's security. This move is being seen as a “bridge” to future membership for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and some Central European nations had hoped for membership talks at the summit from July 9 to 11. However, NATO will instead announce a mission in Germany to coordinate various types of aid to Ukraine, demonstrating strong allied support amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The new mission, called NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), aims to streamline military aid, including air defenses, artillery, and F-16 fighter jets, while also coordinating the training of Ukrainian military personnel in allied countries.

The mission will be based at a U.S. military facility in Wiesbaden, Germany, and led by a three-star general, likely American, reporting to NATO’s top commander in Europe, Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli. The aim is to protect the mission from potential political changes in the U.S., such as a possible return of Donald Trump to the presidency, who has been critical of NATO and aid to Ukraine.

Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, commented, “It’s an effort at Trump-proofing and a deliberate effort to bring Ukraine and NATO closer together to support Ukraine today as well as into the future.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hinted at the plan, stating it would “put our support to Ukraine on a firmer footing for years to come” and enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities without making NATO a party to the conflict.

The mission will also work alongside the existing U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which coordinates weapons deliveries from about 50 countries. This effort is intended to address inefficiencies in aid delivery, such as the recent offer of Mirage fighter jets from France, which require different training and maintenance than the F-16s already being introduced.

Jake Sullivan, U.S. national security adviser, said the summit would show that allies are taking “concrete steps” to bring Ukraine closer to NATO and ensure it has a “bridge to eventual membership.”

Despite the lack of immediate membership talks, the commitment represented by the new mission is expected to satisfy Zelenskyy and help ensure a smoother summit. Last year’s summit in Vilnius saw frustration from Zelenskyy when no firm timeline for membership was offered.

The European Union, by contrast, has opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step for both countries amid ongoing regional tensions.