NATO is set to unveil a new initiative during this week’s summit to provide Ukraine with consistent military aid and assistance in its efforts to join the alliance. The upcoming program aims to complement the existing Ukraine Defense Contact Group initiated by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in response to Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, involving over 50 nations, coordinates the delivery of crucial weapons and training to Ukraine. However, delays in funding from the U.S. Congress and the European Union have highlighted the vulnerability of this support to political uncertainties.

The new NATO organization is seen as a way to ensure steady alliance support for Ukraine, regardless of potential changes in U.S. leadership. The NATO plan will not replace the Ukraine Defense Contact Group but will expand its scope by focusing on coordinating training and equipment donations for Ukraine. This effort will be led by a U.S. three-star general based in Germany, with approximately 700 staff members assisting in logistics nodes within Eastern allied nations.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that the new program aims to provide long-term support for Ukraine while maintaining the alliance’s neutrality in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The initiative, named NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine), will concentrate on enhancing Ukraine’s armed forces, coordinating international contributions, and managing equipment repair and maintenance. Additionally, the NSATU intends to facilitate Ukraine’s efforts to meet NATO membership criteria by ensuring military standards and equipment interoperability.

Despite efforts to insulate support for Ukraine from potential changes in U.S. leadership, some officials express concerns about the initiative being completely immune to shifts in policy. Past opposition to aid packages for Ukraine by Republican allies of former President Donald Trump in Congress underscores the potential for changes in support depending on the political landscape. While integrating assistance for Ukraine under NATO could offer greater consistency, the possibility remains that a change in U.S. administration could lead to alterations in policy towards Ukraine or other diplomatic and military operations.