NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposed that NATO countries allocate 0.25% of their GDP to Ukraine annually. This would ensure stable assistance at the level of $143 billion per year, but the proposal was opposed by France and the UK.
Details of Rutte's initiative
NATO Secretary General Mark Rütte called on NATO Allies to agree on an annual allocation of 0.25% of their gross domestic product to Ukraine. According to estimates, such a scheme would accumulate about $143 billion in aid per year. How to. reports Politico, The initiative was partly a response to frustration among some capitals that their contribution to Kyiv's aid is disproportionately high compared to other allies.
Different positions within the Alliance
Despite the scale of the proposal, France and the UK do not currently support the idea of setting a fixed percentage of GDP for assistance to Ukraine. Representatives of these countries state that a more flexible approach is needed and that national budgeting peculiarities should be taken into account. At the same time, in NATO The search for compromise solutions that will allow for predictable and long-term support for Kyiv continues.
Preparing for the Ankara Summit
Setting a target as a percentage of GDP is just one of several ideas being discussed in Brussels. The goal is to achieve a concrete result for Ukraine by July summit NATO in Ankara. Last year, the allies provided Kyiv with $45 billion in security assistance, so Rutte's proposal means a significant increase in support.
Why it matters
Agreeing on a fixed funding mechanism will allow Ukraine to plan its defence for years to come. For NATO, this is a test of unity and the ability to act systematically. Support of this magnitude could change the balance of power in the war and affect the security of the whole of Europe.
