NATO to appoint representative in Kiev to deepen ties with Ukraine: US official | NATO News

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will appoint a senior representative in Ukraine’s capital to deepen ties with the war-torn country, a senior US official said, as world leaders gather for a NATO summit in Washington , DC.

Speaking at a defense industry summit on Tuesday afternoon, White House adviser Jake Sullivan said the representative in Kiev would seek to “deepen Ukraine’s institutional relationship with the alliance.”

The post will also “serve as a focal point for NATO engagement with senior Ukrainian officials,” Sullivan said.

The announcement comes as NATO officials and world leaders travel to the US capital for the organization’s annual summit, which began on Tuesday.

Continued support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion of the country is high on the agenda, particularly amid a series of recent Russian attacks, including a deadly bombing of a children’s hospital in Kiev.

In a social media post upon his arrival in Washington, D.C., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would push for more air defense systems, financial assistance and aircraft, including F-16s.

Now in Washington. Today marks the beginning of the NATO Summit.

We are fighting for more air defense systems for Ukraine and I am confident that we will be successful. We are also striving to secure more aircraft, including F-16s. Additionally, we are pushing for greater security… pic.twitter.com/ydkHQjK6RL

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 9, 2024

“We call for decisive action from the US and Europe – actions that will strengthen our warriors,” Zelenskyy wrote in X.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that Russian terrorism is defeated. This is not just crucial for our country – it is essential for everyone – for all partners and all nations.”

Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden are scheduled to give speeches later this Tuesday at the Ronald Reagan Institute to mark the start of the NATO summit. The pair will also hold a meeting on Thursday afternoon, the White House said.

Aides said Biden’s opening speech will highlight what his administration sees as a key achievement: a stronger, more united NATO, under US leadership, with more members and a determination to meet its collective security needs. .

This brings, they say, tangible results for American voters, namely a safer country, with a strong international economic position, as well as more alliances and power abroad, and less risk of conflict with its adversaries.

This week’s NATO summit comes at a critical time for Biden, who faces internal questions about his health and ability to serve another term in the White House after delivering a disastrous performance in the 2024 election debate last month.

The Democratic president, who is expected to face his Republican predecessor Donald Trump in the November vote, has rejected calls to drop out of the race.

Biden administration officials have sought to downplay reports that Washington’s NATO allies are concerned about the president’s staying power ahead of the arrival of the leaders of NATO’s 32 member countries in Washington, DC.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, White House adviser John Kirby said the administration “did not detect any signs” that any foreign leaders were concerned.

Leaders “wouldn’t come…to a NATO Summit if they didn’t believe in American leadership and its importance and if they didn’t believe that President Biden takes that responsibility extremely seriously,” Kirby said.

But as doubts arise about Biden, the alliance has been nervously watching a potential Trump return to the White House after the November elections.

Trump has repeatedly criticized other NATO members who have failed to meet the agreed target of spending at least 2% of gross domestic product on defense.

European anxiety rose in February when Trump warned NATO allies in a campaign speech that he would “encourage” the Russians “to do whatever they want” with countries that fail to meet defense spending targets if he returns to the White House.

Trump and his Republican allies in the US Congress have also criticized Biden for providing an “endless stream of American treasures” to Ukraine.

During Tuesday afternoon’s NATO event in Washington, D.C., Sullivan — the White House adviser — said the Biden administration was “committed” to supporting Ukraine “for the long term.”

Sullivan said NATO would announce later this week a new military command in Germany that will launch a “training, equipping and force development program for Ukrainian troops.”

“We will also make announcements outlining how we plan to strengthen critical Ukrainian air defense capabilities and build Ukraine’s air power through the supply of F-16s,” he said.

The new measures, Sullivan added, are aimed at sending a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he “cannot divide us, he cannot outlive us, he cannot weaken us and Ukraine – not Russia – will prevail in this war.” ”.

The Kremlin said it was following the NATO summit “with the greatest attention”, including “the rhetoric in the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper”.