NATO Considers Taking Over US-Led Support in Ukraine as Zelensky Lowers Draft Age

Written by Sophie Ritzenthaler | April 8, 2024

Since Russia invaded Ukraine just over two years ago, the United States and its NATO allies have committed monetary support and weapons to Ukraine to aid its fight against Russia. As US support for aid has recently slowed, the NATO alliance has discussed stepping up to take more control over military support to Ukraine. The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg says that details are still being worked out. Still, meetings of foreign ministers have produced plans to pursue oversight in coordinating security assistance and training for Ukrainian forces. Secretary General Stoltenberg plans to increase NATO support because he believes that Ukraine should not have to depend on short-term support but rather on long-term commitments from NATO. This decision comes after impatience has been expressed at the delay in passing a $60 billion aid package from the United States and lower-than-promised ammunition supplies from European countries. 

The Secretary-General also originally expressed his intent that Ukrainian membership to the military alliance would be discussed with officials at a summit set to take place in July. However, after further consideration of a resurgence in attacks from Russia, the alliance will not consider Ukraine’s membership. The group acknowledged that allowing Ukraine to join now would draw countries into the biggest land war in Europe since 1945. Germany and the United States are the biggest opposers to beginning membership negotiations even with NATO countries agreeing they are here to support Ukraine for the long haul. NATO membership has been discussed for Ukraine on and off since 2008 and would be incredibly strategic for the country. Solid support from NATO countries would take some of the burden off of Ukraine as it continues to have less manpower and resources than its opponent, Russia. The decision by NATO comes on the heels of an announcement made by President Zelensky that he has approved lowering the draft age from 27 to 25. President Zelensky has put off this decision until completely necessary as the bill was reintroduced to Parliament in February. The increased support from NATO and possible membership into the alliance could help to take some of the stress off Ukraine and help face Russia as the war intensifies.