NATO divided over €70 billion military aid package for Ukraine days before summit
Photo: NATO member state representatives meeting at the Alliance headquarters (Getty Images)
Ahead of the NATO summit, disagreements persist over long-term support for Ukraine. Allies remain unable to agree on a portion of future commitments, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
NATO member states are continuing negotiations on the final declaration of the summit in Ankara. Although allies have agreed on a €70 billion military assistance package for Ukraine until 2026, they are still struggling to reach a consensus on long-term commitments.
According to the outlet, NATO ambassadors meeting in Brussels approved a provision that allocates €70 billion by 2026 for military equipment, support, and training for Ukraine.
Why did the dispute emerge
However, diplomatic sources told the outlet that allies have not yet agreed on a provision that would guarantee maintaining at least the same level of support into 2027.
Italy is opposing a long-term commitment tied to a specific date. As a result, the wording remains unresolved, and NATO ambassadors are expected to hold another round of negotiations before the summit begins.
For many Alliance members, including Germany, enshrining long-term support for Ukraine is considered one of the key outcomes expected from the summit declaration.
Where will the € 70 billion come from
The document does not include a clear mechanism for sharing the financial burden among allies. In addition, not all of the announced €70 billion represents new funding.
According to the outlet, €30 billion comes from the European Union's loan program for Ukraine, while another €40 billion reflects commitments agreed at the 2024 NATO summit in Washington.
If allies also commit to maintaining the same level of funding in 2027, the total amount of assistance outlined in the declaration would increase to €140 billion.
As previously reported, the NATO summit will be held in Ankara on July 7–8, with continued military support for Ukraine expected to be one of the central topics.
During the summit, allies are expected to approve the €70 billion assistance package, which will include both new contributions and previously pledged funds.
The financing is expected to be provided without US participation, meaning European allies and Canada will bear the primary financial responsibility.
