The NATO summit in Washington concluded today, with a primary focus on sustaining and expanding support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany addressed the summit's discussions, emphasizing Germany's commitment as the second-largest military donor to Ukraine, following the United States.
Despite calls for a more definitive invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, Scholz clarified that the current situation does not allow for such a move, as the war continues. He highlighted that the language agreed upon in previous meetings, particularly in Vilnius, reflects a clear and irreversible path for Ukraine's future with NATO, which he believes sends a strong message to Russia.
In response to comments from Russian official Dmitry Medvedev, who suggested that Ukraine's path could end with its disappearance or NATO's dissolution, Scholz dismissed the remarks as increasingly bizarre. He reiterated the importance of NATO's unified stance and the ongoing support for Ukraine.
When questioned about Germany's hesitance to supply Taurus long-range missiles, Scholz defended Germany's military contributions, stating that they have provided significant support, including Patriot systems and tanks. He expressed concerns about the potential escalation of conflict should longer-range weapons be deployed without adequate control over their use.
As the summit wrapped up, discussions also touched on the implications of the upcoming U.S. elections, with NATO leaders closely monitoring the political landscape and its potential impact on international alliances and support for Ukraine.