Jens Stoltenberg, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General, speaks at a press conference after an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague, the Czech Republic, on May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
PRAGUE, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said here on Friday that he has proposed a multi-year financial commitment for Ukraine and urged NATO allies to share the burden equitably.
Speaking at a press conference after an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Stoltenberg said the allies agreed that maintaining support for Ukraine should remain a top priority.
He said NATO countries have provided nearly 40 billion euros (43.48 billion U.S. dollars) worth of military support annually to Ukraine since 2022, emphasizing that this level of support must be maintained each year for as long as necessary. He also called on allies to share the burden equitably to enhance accountability.
The allies are currently discussing the framework and rules of the joint commitment. Stoltenberg mentioned that there are other methods available, citing the existing model where defense contributions are based on each member's gross domestic product.
The ministers also discussed Ukraine's path to NATO membership. "Allies agree that Ukraine's future is in NATO. And we are determined to make progress in charting this path," he said.
NATO foreign ministers gathered in Prague for a two-day meeting to discuss support for Ukraine and preparations for the July NATO summit in Washington, D.C.. Stoltenberg said he anticipates new decisions on aid to Ukraine at the July summit.
On the first day of the meeting, several dozen anti-war demonstrators gathered in Prague's Hradcany square on Thursday afternoon to protest the Czech Republic's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Protesters carried drums and banners with slogans such as "Stop guns," "Let's get out of NATO" and "Stop NATO," according to the Czech News Agency. ■
