07.11.23

American Leadership In Supporting Ukraine Is Making A Difference In Europe

Together, The United States And Its NATO Allies Are Providing Crucial Assistance To Ukraine While Once-Reluctant European Countries Are Stepping Up To Boost Their Defense Budgets And Recognize The Threats Posed By Both Russia And China

 

SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “[T]he fate of Ukraine’s resistance continues to depend on Western support. Western allies should use this week’s summit to commit even more critical capabilities to tip the balance of forces in Ukraine’s favor. Time is of the essence for allies to increase production of critical munitions and to send longer range, more sophisticated, and more lethal systems to the front lines…. Ukraine’s war will not be won with yard signs or hollow promises to hold Putin accountable. It will be won with weapons. The same rules apply to future conflicts we hope to deter. Unity is important, but hard power will be decisive. On this front, NATO is making progress toward rebuilding the hard power many allies allowed to atrophy. Every member of the Alliance now spends at least 20% of its defense budget on actual capabilities. Our allies are making progress toward spending 2% of GDP on defense. And more than half of the Alliance should hit that goal by the end of next year. But we should agree that 2% is a floor, not a ceiling, for our commitments to collective defense. Our allies should invest in critical capabilities and modern systems that add to NATO’s combat power. And they should revive defense industrial bases that have languished since the Cold War.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks, 7/11/2023)

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL JENS STOLTENBERG: “And let me also thank the U.S. Congress and the people of America for the strong support to Ukraine.  And you just made a new announcement of additional U.S. support, and that is something which is very much welcomed. European Allies and Canada are also doing their part, with tens of billions in military and economic support for Ukraine.” (“Remarks by President Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Bilateral Meeting,” The White House, 6/13/2023)

  • SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: “Then I think we also have to realize that Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine was not only an attack on Ukraine, but also on our core values and on free people everywhere.  And therefore, President Putin must not win this war, because that will not only be a tragedy for Ukrainians, but also make the world more dangerous. It will send a message to authoritarian leaders all over the world, also in China, that when they use military force, they get what they want, and we will then become more vulnerable.  So it’s our security interest to support Ukraine. And that’s exactly what we will do when we meet — all the NATO leaders — at the summit in Vilnius … where we’ll agree to sustain and step up our support to Ukraine, further strengthen our deterrence on defense, including by new commitment to invest more in defense.  And I expect Allies to agree that 2 percent of GDP for defense has to be a minimum of what Allies have to invest in our shared security.” (“Remarks by President Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Bilateral Meeting,” The White House, 6/13/2023)

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD: “Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization hold their annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, this week and, wonderful to say, a revitalized alliance will be on display. Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has achieved exactly what Vladimir Putin claimed to fear the most: deepening Western cooperation in defense of European territory and values. Many wouldn’t have predicted this when Mr. Putin’s latest assault on Ukraine began in February 2022. Key moments arrived when the U.S. and other allies decided to supply Ukraine’s war effort. Another was Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ‘turning point’ speech, when he argued that Germany—and, by extension, other partners—needed an internal political transformation to renew a common defense within NATO.” (Editorial, “A Revived NATO Comes to Vilnius”, The Wall Street Journal, 7/09/2023)

 

America’s European Allies Are Stepping Up And Providing Billions In Weapons And Assistance To Ukraine

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD: “Eleven of the 30 NATO members are expected to meet the 2% target this year, up from only the U.S., U.K. and Greece in 2014. Germany remains a laggard at 1.57% ... All 30 allies now devote at least 20% of their defense expenditure to equipment, up from seven in 2014.” (Editorial, “A Revived NATO Comes to Vilnius”, The Wall Street Journal, 7/09/2023)

The European Union Has Made Available Over $78 Billion In Aid To Ukraine, Including $18 Billion In Military Assistance

“To support Ukraine itself, since the start of the war, the EU and our Member States have made available over $78 billion in financial, military, humanitarian, and refugee assistance, with this increasing daily. This figure includes an unprecedented commitment of up to $19.8 billion in financial assistance for 2023, disbursed in regular monthly increments to ensure stable financing for the running of the Ukrainian state.” (“EU Assistance To Ukraine” Factsheet, Delegation of the European Union to the United States, June 2023)

  • “Well over $18 billion in military assistance, and constantly growing -- ranging from ammunition to air defence systems, Leopard tanks, and fighter jets. This includes an unprecedented $6.1bn from the ‘European Peace Facility,’ in addition to supplies provided directly on a bilateral basis by our Member States. On ammunition for Ukraine, EU support includes $2.2bn for the joint procurement and delivery of up to an additional one million rounds of artillery ammunition by early 2024, and an additional $550mn to urgently boost EU defence industry capacities in ammunition production. The EU is today the largest military training provider to the Ukrainian armed forces -- by the end of 2023, 30,000 Ukrainian military personnel will be trained under the EU’s $182mn Military Assistance Mission. An additional $27mn has been provided to support Ukraine’s de-mining of liberated territories temporarily occupied by Russian armed forces.” (“EU Assistance To Ukraine” Factsheet, Delegation of the European Union to the United States, June 2023)
  • “Over $41 billion in financial and budgetary support and in humanitarian and emergency assistance. This support is as essential as military assistance to ensure Ukraine’s success on the battlefield. It allows Ukraine to keep paying wages and pensions and maintain essential public services, such as hospitals, schools, and housing for relocated people. It also ensures macroeconomic stability, and helps restore critical infrastructure destroyed.” (“EU Assistance To Ukraine” Factsheet, Delegation of the European Union to the United States, June 2023)

“At the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 in London, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented the details of the Commission's proposal for a new Ukraine Facility that, if adopted by the European Parliament and Council of the EU, will mobilise up to €50 billion over four years in the form of both grants and loans. The Facility will support Ukraine's efforts to sustain macro-financial stability, promote recovery as well as rebuild and modernise the country, whilst also implementing key reforms on its EU accession track between 2024 and 2027. The Facility underscores the EU's steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing war of aggression and on its path towards EU membership.” (European Commission, Press Release, 6/21/2023)

Earlier This Year, NATO Allies Pledged Billions In Additional Military Support To Ukraine

“President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has been promised billions of dollars in new military aid during a whirlwind tour of European allies that reflects a striking shift in the political landscape, as Europe takes a more central role in arming Ukraine for its anticipated counteroffensive to drive Russia from its territory.” (“In European Tour, Zelensky Reaps Billions More in Promised Military Aid,” The New York Times, 3/15/2023)

“France said that in the next few weeks it would ‘train and equip several battalions with tens of armored vehicles and light tanks including AMX-10RC.’ France also pledged to send ‘new ammunition’ to Ukraine and to help repair armored vehicles and guns damaged in the war, Macron said in an interview with French public television station TF1.” (“Zelensky Toured Europe Seeking New Weapons. Here’s What He Came Home With,” The Washington Post, 5/16/2023)

“Czechia has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, donating Soviet-era weaponry to Ukrainian forces, including tanks. It has also issued almost 475,000 visas to Ukrainian refugees affording them access to health care, financial help, work permits and other benefits.” (“Czech Government Oks Bill For 2% GDP Spending On Military,” The Associated Press, 1/04/2023)

Throughout The War, The United Kingdom Has Been ‘The Leading Supplier Of Advanced Weaponry’ To Ukraine

“Zelensky arrived in Britain on Monday morning — the last stop on his European tour. He met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at his country estate, Chequers, and the government committed to sending Ukraine ‘hundreds of air defence missiles’ and ‘hundreds of new long-range attack drones’ with a range of over 124 miles, among other unmanned aerial systems.” (“Zelensky Toured Europe Seeking New Weapons. Here’s What He Came Home With,” The Washington Post, 5/16/2023)

“’This is a crucial moment in Ukraine’s resistance to a terrible war of aggression they did not choose or provoke,’ Mr. Sunak said in a statement, as he welcomed Mr. Zelensky at Chequers, the British leader’s country residence outside London.” (“In European Tour, Zelensky Reaps Billions More in Promised Military Aid,” The New York Times, 3/15/2023)

Germany Has Stepped Up Its Support, Pledging $3 Billion In New Assistance

AP: ‘Germany announces $3 billion military aid package for Ukraine ahead of expected Zelenskyy visit’ (“Germany Announces $3 Billion Military Aid Package For Ukraine Ahead Of Expected Zelenskyy Visit,” The Associated Press, 5/13/2023)

“Earlier Sunday, Zelensky visited Berlin — the Ukrainian leader’s first trip to Germany since the war — where he met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Ahead of his visit, the German government unveiled a new package for Ukraine totaling $2.95 billion, which almost doubles Berlin’s total commitment since Russia’s invasion.” (“Zelensky Toured Europe Seeking New Weapons. Here’s What He Came Home With,” The Washington Post, 5/16/2023)

GERMAN DEFENSE MINISTER BORIS PISTORIUS: “…Germany is serious in its support… Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it takes…” (“Germany Announces $3 Billion Military Aid Package For Ukraine Ahead Of Expected Zelenskyy Visit,” The Associated Press, 5/13/2023)

“Though slow to provide military aid, Germany has since become one of the biggest suppliers of arms to Ukraine, crucially giving the green light for the delivery of modern battle tanks like its own Leopard 1 and 2, along with sophisticated anti-aircraft systems needed to fend off drone and missile attacks.” (“Germany Announces $3 Billion Military Aid Package For Ukraine Ahead Of Expected Zelenskyy Visit,” The Associated Press, 5/13/2023)

“It is also a ‘signal that Germany, after being quite hesitant for many, many months, is now full-fledged engaged in the support to Ukraine.’” (“Zelensky Toured Europe Seeking New Weapons. Here’s What He Came Home With,” The Washington Post, 5/16/2023)

Poland Continues To Play ‘A Leading Role’ In Supporting Ukraine

“Warsaw has positioned itself as one of Kyiv's staunchest allies, playing a leading role in persuading sometimes reluctant allies to provide it with heavy weaponry, much of it supplied through Poland.” (“Ukraine's Zelenskiy Hails Ties As Poland Vows Further Support,” Reuters, 4/5/2023)

“The Polish public overwhelming supports Ukrainians in their war with Russia. An Ipsos poll said 82% of Poles think NATO and European Union countries should back Ukraine until it wins.” (“Ukraine's Zelenskiy Hails Ties As Poland Vows Further Support,” Reuters, 4/5/2023)

THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL: “Since the start of Russia’s invasion fourteen months ago, Poland has been among the largest suppliers of military aid to Ukraine. Polish deliveries have included vast qualities of ammunition, hundreds of tanks, and a growing number of fighter jets. The country has also served as a key transit point for weapons bound for Ukraine, and is set to begin joint production of ammunition with Ukrainian partners. In addition to this military support, Poland also hosts Europe’s largest Ukrainian refugee community, with over 1.3 million Ukrainian refugees currently thought to be resident in the country.” (“Poland And Ukraine: The Emerging Alliance That Could Reshape Europe,” The Atlantic Council, 4/12/2023)

 

At The Same Time, European Countries Are Increasing Their Own Defense Spending, A Long-Standing U.S. Foreign Policy Objective

The United States Has Long Requested That NATO Allies Increase Their Defense Budgets

“Since the 1970s numerous American presidents have complained about military ‘free-riding’ by the country′s European allies. The differences between NATO members′ defence budgets grew larger following the end of the cold war, as some countries rushed to claim a peace dividend faster than others. Budget-tightening after the 2008 financial crisis has continued the trend.” (“Military Spending By NATO Members,” The Economist, 2/16/2017)

In The Face Of Russian Aggression, European Countries Are Increasing Their Defense Spending – ‘And In Many Cases, Increas[ing] It Significantly’

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led many Western countries to review their military spending - and in many cases, increase it significantly. Members of the Nato Western military alliance have agreed to spend at least 2% of GDP, a measure of a country's economic output, on defence from 2024. The figure of 2% has been a long-standing target for the alliance.” (“Ukraine's Zelenskiy Hails Ties As Poland Vows Further Support,” Reuters, 4/05/2023)

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD: “It’s taken nine years and a Russian war on European soil, but this is finally happening. Inflation-adjusted defense spending by allies excluding the U.S. has increased in every year since 2014, according to data released Friday by the NATO secretariat.” (Editorial, “A Revived NATO Comes to Vilnius”, The Wall Street Journal, 7/09/2023)

UNITED KINGDOM: “U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged Monday to increase military funding by 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) over the next two years in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ‘epoch-defining challenge’ posed by China. The increase, part of a major update to U.K. foreign and defense policy, is less than military officials wanted. Sunak said the U.K. would increase military spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product ‘in the longer term,’ but didn’t set a date. Britain currently spends just over 2% of GDP on defense, and military chiefs want it to rise to 3%.” (“UK Boosts Defense Spending In Response To Russia And China,” The Associated Press, 3/13/2023)

POLAND: “It is the latest European country to say it is increasing military spending as a result of the conflict. Poland has a military budget of just less than 2.5% of its GDP, but the prime minister says he wants to increase the figure to 4% this year. Last week, Mateusz Morawiecki urged Germany to allow his country to export Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine.” (“Poland Boosts Defence Spending Over War In Ukraine,” BBC News, 1/30/2023)

FRANCE: REUTERS: ‘Macron Boosts French Military Spending By Over A Third To 'Transform' Army’ (“Macron Boosts French Military Spending By Over A Third To 'Transform' Army,” Reuters, 1/20/2023)

NORWAY: “Norway aims to raise its defence spending to at least 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2026, in line with a long-held goal among members of the NATO alliance, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said ...” (“Norway To Boost Defence Spending To 2% Of GDP By 2026,” Reuters, 5/02/2023)

NETHERLANDS: “The Dutch government will invest up to 3.5 billion euros ($3.44 billion) in military procurement, the defence ministry said, in a policy turnaround in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine…. The Dutch government said in June [2022] it would invest more in the military so that its defence budget would reach the NATO target of a minimum of 2% of GDP. In fulfillment of that, Dutch spending will be 2.03% in 2024 and 2.01% in 2025.” (“Dutch Government To Spend Billions On Military Procurement,” Reuters, 6/12/2023)

CZECH REPUBLIC: “The Czech government [in January 2023] approved a bill aimed at bringing defense spending at the required NATO goal of 2% of gross domestic product as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues…. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has expedited the modernization of the Czech military with the planned, multi-billion euro procurement of new armaments. The Czechs have been negotiating with the U.S. about a possible purchase of 24 F-35 fighter jets and holding talks with Sweden for the acquisition of 210 CV90 armoured vehicles.” (“Czech Government Oks Bill For 2% GDP Spending On Military,” The Associated Press, 1/04/2023)

FINLAND AND SWEDEN: “Sweden and Finland have announced steep increases in their military budgets as part of their bid to join Nato.” (“Poland Boosts Defence Spending Over War In Ukraine,” BBC News, 1/30/2023)

LITHUANIA, LATVIA, AND ESTONIA: “The Baltic states vowed on Friday to raise their defense spending to three percent of gross domestic product (GDP), amid security worries stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. All three nations have been NATO members since 2004 and form a part of the Western defense alliance’s eastern flank. Wary of Russia after having spent decades under Soviet rule, the Baltic states are afraid they could be next on Moscow’s agenda were it to win in Ukraine. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania currently spend a respective 2.34, 2.10, and 2.36 percent of GDP on defense, according to NATO estimates.” (“Baltics to Up Defense Spending to Three Percent of GDP,” AFP, 12/12/2022)

EUROPEAN UNION: “The European Union took a major step early Friday in approving plans to boost its anemic production of ammunition and missiles within the 27-nation bloc, to both defend itself and quickly help Ukraine in trying to push back the invasion by Russia. The EU presidency announced early Friday that the member states and the EU Parliament reached a deal ‘to urgently mobilize’ half a billion euros from its budget for an Act in Support of Ammunition Production. The deal follows up the decision by EU leaders in March to boost urgently needed ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, which were then sought to start a counteroffensive against Russian forces.” (“EU Takes A Major Step In Approving Plans To Boost Its Anemic Ammunition Production To Help Ukraine,” The Associated Press, 7/7/2023)

  • “ASAP was part of the plan to send Ukraine 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition within the next 12 months. The EU had already approved plan for a fast-track purchasing procedures when it approved funds Friday to ramp up production in EU facilities and factories. ‘This is yet another proof of the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s defense, technological and industrial base, and ultimately ensuring the long-term security and defense of EU citizens,’ said Defense Minister Margarita Robles of Spain, which currently holds the EU presidency.” (“EU Takes A Major Step In Approving Plans To Boost Its Anemic Ammunition Production To Help Ukraine,” The Associated Press, 7/7/2023)

In Addition To Boosting Its Defense Budget, Germany Also Unveiled Its First National Security Strategy

GERMANY: “Germany plans to slash social benefits and rein in government debt but increase the amount spent on the military in 2024, according to a federal budget approved Wednesday by the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. … Staying within that limit meant slashing spending over the next two years, for all sectors except the military. Funds earmarked for defense would help Germany reach its obligation as a NATO member to spend at least 2 percent of gross domestic product on its military next year.” (“German Government Slashes Spending, Except on the Military,” The New York Times, 7/5/2023)

  • “But the defence budget will hit a record high, and is expected to reach the two-percent NATO spending target, as Berlin invests in overhauling the military in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it showed. … But to ensure that the 2023 budget complied with the debt break, the government has had to resort to creating several special funds that are outside the official budget. They have been used in particular to help households and businesses cope with rising energy prices after Russia slashed crucial gas supplies to Europe amid the Ukraine war. The government will tap one of these funds to ensure it hits the NATO spending target in 2024, according to the draft budget. A sum of 51.8 billion euros will form the regular defence budget, a new high after about 50 billion in the 2023 budget.” (“Germany To Cut 2024 Spending, But Defence Budget Up,” Agence France Presse, 7/3/2023)

“’This is a major change being carried out by us in Germany in how we deal with security policy,’ moving from a military strategy towards an integrated security concept, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at the presentation of the document, while adding a more detailed China strategy should be ready soon.” (“Germany Calls China A Growing Threat As It Steps Up Focus On Security,” Reuters, 6/14/2023)

  • “‘Germany’s security environment is undergoing profound change and we are living through a watershed era, a Zeitenwende,’ or turning point, the paper says. With Russia’s threat to European security, and China seen as a complicated competitor, systemic rival but still ‘a necessary partner,’ the paper says, ‘we are redoubling our efforts with a view to keeping our country secure and free.’” (“Germany Introduces Its First National Security Strategy,” The New York Times, 6/14/2023)
  • “’In future, we will focus more on security when it comes to decisions on economic policy,’ Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said. ‘We paid for every cubic metre of Russian gas twofold and threefold with our national security.’ Germany's reliance on Russia for around half its gas imports prevented it from immediately being able to stop energy trade with Moscow after it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Russia is the top threat to European peace ‘for now,’ the National Security Strategy (NSS) said. The document highlights the need for Germany to reduce all dependencies on other countries for commodities and incentivise companies to hold strategic reserves. These measures are particularly relevant now to Germany, and Europe's reliance on China for critical minerals key to the transition to a carbon neutral economy.” (“Germany Calls China A Growing Threat As It Steps Up Focus On Security,” Reuters, 6/14/2023)

“Days after Russia's invasion, Scholz heralded a shift to a new era or ‘Zeitenwende’ in which he said Germany would invest more than 2% of economic output on defence, after years of resisting pleas from NATO allies to do so…. Germany aims to reach the 2% defence spending target from next year, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said.” (“Germany Calls China A Growing Threat As It Steps Up Focus On Security,” Reuters, 6/14/2023)

REUTERS: ‘Germany calls China a growing threat as it steps up focus on security’ (“Germany Calls China A Growing Threat As It Steps Up Focus On Security,” Reuters, 6/14/2023)

  • “China poses a growing threat to global security, Germany said in its first national security strategy on Wednesday, underscoring Berlin's shift in emphasis from economic interests to geopolitics following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Using blunt language about its top trading partner, the strategy document describes Beijing as aggressively claiming supremacy in Asia and seeking to use its economic might to achieve political goals.” (“Germany Calls China A Growing Threat As It Steps Up Focus On Security,” Reuters, 6/14/2023)

 

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Related Issues: NATO, Ukraine, National Security