The Wall Street Journal reports that NATO countries are taking measures to support Ukraine in case of a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming US presidential election. These measures include sending a senior civilian official to Ukraine to coordinate the delivery of military assistance and establishing a headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany to manage the delivery of military equipment and training for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The plan aims to bring the level of equipment and training of Ukrainian forces closer to that of NATO armies. At the NATO summit in Washington on July 9-11, members are expected to announce these initiatives and commit 40 billion euros annually to Ukraine as long-term financial assistance. However, it is not expected that Ukraine will be invited to join the alliance at this time.
Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has suggested committing 40 billion euros annually to Ukraine as a show of support for their efforts. Sources reveal that allies are planning on agreeing on a “roadmap” for Ukraine’s entry into NATO at the summit as a way to keep Russia from expanding its influence in Eastern Europe.