NATO to replace the US in coordinating Western aid to Ukraine

By: Mykhailo Stoliar | today, 09:36
Ukraine and NATO: iconic symbols of cooperation Illustrative image of the Ukrainian flag and the NATO symbol. Source: Reuters

NATO takes over the coordination of military assistance to Ukraine, as previously planned, instead of the United States.

Here's What We Know

According to Reuters, the move, made after a delay of several months, gives NATO a greater direct role in the war against Russia without having to use its own forces.

At the same time, unnamed diplomats acknowledge that the transfer of authority to NATO may have a limited effect. The reason is that the United States under Donald Trump could still deal a serious blow to Ukraine by reducing its support.

The headquarters of the new NATO mission, called NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, is located on the territory of the US base in the German city of Wiesbaden. A Reuters source said the mission is now fully operational. There was no public comment on the reasons for the delay. The total number of NSATU personnel is about 700. This includes troops stationed at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Belgium and at logistics bases in Poland and Romania.

NSATU is only "one of NATO's support missions to Ukraine". The other "pillar of support" is JATEC in Poland (JATEC is a centre for analysis, training and education). This centre allows Ukraine to share the experience gained during the Russian-Ukrainian war and to create a structure that enables the Ukrainian Armed Forces to learn and train together with Alliance partners.

Source: Reuters