WASHINGTON: NATO leaders gathered on Tuesday in Washington for a summit aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine, and reaffirming transatlantic unity — but the meeting is set to be overshadowed by US President Joe Biden’s struggle for political survival.
The summit, coinciding with NATO’s 75th anniversary celebrations, seeks to bolster alliance cohesion in the face of Russian aggression, particularly towards Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence underscores the urgency of securing additional Patriot air defense systems to defend against Russian attacks, following a recent strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
“We’ve got to make sure that they have a better means and more of it to defend themselves,” emphasized US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby regarding NATO’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s air defences.
Biden, amidst mounting pressure regarding his political future, has sought to reassure allies of US commitment to NATO, highlighting his role in expanding and solidifying the alliance. “Our allies are looking for US leadership,” Biden stated.
“Who else do you think could step in here and do this? I expanded NATO. I solidified NATO,” Biden stated. He downplayed concerns about his fitness for office raised after a contentious debate with former President Donald Trump.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other leaders expressed support for Biden, dismissing concerns over his fitness. However, the specter of Trump’s potential return to the White House looms large, with the former president campaigning on promises that could disrupt NATO’s foundational principles.
French President Emmanuel Macron is struggling to form a government after divisive elections, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first international outing, and Hungary’s premier Viktor Orban flies in after a much-criticized meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
While they wrestle with the minefield of US politics, NATO leaders will have to show they haven’t been distracted from the reality of the battlefield in Ukraine.
Beyond the immediate security challenges posed by Russia, NATO leaders are also expected to discuss the growing influence of China, accused of supporting Moscow’s military efforts through technological means. The summit includes discussions on strengthening ties with partner nations like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to counter global threats posed by Beijing.
The leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea will come to Washington.
While NATO remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, discussions on the country’s path towards membership are tempered by diplomatic caution to avoid further provoking Russia. The alliance plans to continue substantial financial and logistical support to Ukraine.
NATO members will vow to keep supporting Ukraine at the rate they have been so far since Moscow invaded — roughly 40 billion euros annually — for at least another year.
They will also agree the alliance will take more control of coordinating weapon deliveries to Ukraine from the US military in a move to help insulate supplies from any changes in Washington if Trump wins the election.
Worried about dragging NATO closer to war with Russia, the United States and Germany have shut down any talk of giving Ukraine a clear invitation to join their alliance.
The Kremlin said it was following the summit “with the greatest attention… the rhetoric at the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper.”
The promise of more weaponry is set to be the biggest win the Ukrainian leader will get as his troops struggle to hold ground two and a half years into Russia’s invasion.
China’s foreign ministry hit out at the “smear and attacks” against Beijing from NATO and said the alliance was seeking an excuse to expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
