NATO Takes Over Coordination of Military Aid to Kyiv from US
NATO has assumed control of coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine from the United States, according to sources on Tuesday. This planned transition comes amid concerns about maintaining steady support for Ukraine given potential political shifts in key allied nations.
The newly established NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) operation is now fully operational at Clay Barracks in Germany. The mission replaces the US-led Ramstein group, which previously coordinated military supplies to Kyiv through an informal coalition of about 50 countries.
The handover strengthens NATO's formal role in supporting Ukraine while avoiding direct military involvement in the conflict with Russia. NSATU will operate with approximately 700 personnel stationed across NATO's military headquarters in Belgium and logistics centers in Poland and Romania.
This organizational change arrives as questions emerge about future US support under a potential Donald Trump presidency. Trump, who could take office in January 2025, has previously criticized extensive US aid to Ukraine and expressed skepticism toward NATO during his first term.
The current US administration is working to expedite weapons deliveries to Ukraine before any potential policy shifts. However, diplomatic sources note that since the US remains NATO's dominant member and primary arms supplier to Kyiv, any major changes in US support could still substantially impact Ukraine regardless of NATO's coordinating role.
The transition marks a new chapter in Western military assistance to Ukraine, though its effectiveness will largely depend on continued commitment from key NATO members, particularly the United States.