International NATO decides to launch Ukraine command in Wiesbaden
In future, NATO will coordinate weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces from Wiesbaden. The heads of state and government of the member states decided to launch the operation at their summit meeting in Washington, as the German Press Agency learned from alliance sources. It is due to begin on Friday.
10.07.2024, 22:40
SDA
"The aim is to put security support for Ukraine on a permanent footing and thus ensure improved, predictable and coherent support," reads the summit declaration on the new command. It will also support the transformation of the Ukrainian defense and security forces and thus enable Ukraine's further integration with NATO.
Until now, the USA has coordinated
The coordination of weapons deliveries and training activities has so far been the responsibility of the United States. At the end of 2022, the US established a unit of around 300 soldiers called the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) at the European headquarters of the US Armed Forces in Wiesbaden, Hesse. Around 700 employees are now to be deployed for NATO, of which Germany intends to provide up to 40, including a two-star general as deputy commander.
The NATO project is also seen as a precaution in the event that Donald Trump returns to the US presidency in January 2025. Statements made by the Republican in the past have raised doubts as to whether the US will continue to support Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia under his leadership. There are fears within the alliance that a political change of course in Washington could also affect the coordination of weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces.
Hungary not involved
Only Hungary will not be taking part in the mission. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban fears that the alliance could be driven into a direct confrontation with Russia by the command known as NSATU (Nato Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine). The summit declaration states: "NSATU will not make NATO a party to the conflict in the sense of international law."
