NATO member states have not yet reached a consensus on a two-year military support program for Ukraine, with just a few days before the Alliance’s summit to be held on July 7-8 in Ankara. According to the German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), which cites diplomatic sources, differences persist regarding commitments for the year 2027.
Allied diplomats have already agreed on the draft of the final declaration, which provides for the allocation of 70 billion euros in 2026 for military equipment, training and other forms of support for Ukraine.
However, the discussions focus on another component of the document, which is expected to confirm the multiannual nature of Western support. The project stipulates that member states should reaffirm their sovereign commitment to maintaining at least the same level of assistance in 2027.
Italy opposes the inclusion of an explicit reference to the year 2027
According to sources cited by FAZ, Italy opposes the inclusion of an explicit reference to the year 2027, which is why the wording has not yet been approved. The ambassadors of the member states are set to resume negotiations on Thursday, in an attempt to overcome the deadlock before the start of the summit.
For many allies, undertaking a long-term commitment represents one of the main political objectives of the meeting. Germany was among the states that actively supported the inclusion of such a provision in the final declaration.
However, the document does not establish a mandatory mechanism for the allocation of financial contributions among member states. Moreover, the sum of 70 billion euros does not reflect a new assessment of Ukraine’s military needs.
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