European countries and their allies have kept Ukraine afloat with weapons, money and other aid ever since Russia invaded the country. But they are not yet ready to include Ukraine in the EU and/or NATO, which would only allow it to feel truly safe once the war is over. They want to give the country a guarantee that they can keep Russia at bay as long as she is not yet a member of the EU or NATO.
‘Watch’ funds
The EU and its member states will “soon be examining” exactly what contributions they are able and willing to make. Prime Minister Mark Rutte is considering, for example, using the fund that the EU is already using to pay for arms for Ukraine. Or organize the defense industry in such a way that a constant supply of modern weapons is guaranteed to Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also mentioned training even more Ukrainian soldiers.
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But the EU has only a complementary role in providing “security guarantees,” say Rutte and several other leaders. This must primarily be done by individual or cooperating NATO member states. The Western military alliance is already working on this and hopes to reach agreements on this at the NATO summit in two weeks.