The main event for NATO in 2026 was the Alliance\u2019s summit held on July 7\u20138 in Ankara. It reaffirmed that the unity of Alliance members remains unwavering and that they adhere to the principles of collective defense. Despite certain challenges, the Alliance remains strong and capable of ensuring its own security. A transformation is currently underway to adapt the Alliance to meet modern requirements. NATO leadership today recognizes Ukraine\u2019s significant role in the European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Therefore, Ukraine is receiving assistance to strengthen its defense capabilities.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n The USA and Europe are joining forces to jointly counter Russia and support Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war. This resolves the disagreements between them that arose with Donald Trump\u2019s return to the US presidency early last year.<\/b> In other words, NATO is restoring its unity and its ability to fully fulfill its functions in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. Simultaneously, the North Atlantic Alliance is undergoing a transformation in line with the changing global military and political landscape. The USA has returned to Ukraine\u2019s side, while Europe is providing assistance to our country at a qualitatively new level. As for Ukraine, it is strengthening its position as one of the key components of the European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture. <\/span>This is precisely how we can interpret the Alliance\u2019s current relations and its attitude to Ukraine. This will be confirmed by the NATO summit on July 7\u20138, 2026, in Ankara and a series of other related events involving Alliance representatives.<\/b> The summit\u2019s outcomes are already known and are being widely discussed by experts. Therefore, there is no need to repeat them. At the same time, they allow us to summarize assessments and conclusions regarding the prospects for NATO\u2019s development and its interaction with Ukraine. In this regard, the main focus is on NATO\u2019s actions to strengthen European defence and on Ukraine\u2019s role and place in this effort amid the reduction of the USA\u2019s military presence in the European theater of operations. This was precisely the main topic of the NATO summit in Ankara. Most Ukrainian experts sidestep this topic, focusing solely on how NATO will assist Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n In the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, our country\u2019s deepening cooperation with NATO is of paramount importance. Some doubt this, believing that the Alliance is incapable of standing up to Russia. This view stems from problems and internal conflicts within NATO \u2013 which have intensified recently \u2013 as well as from certain ineffective responses to Russian provocations.<\/span><\/p>\n The North Atlantic Alliance is indeed facing certain challenges. But it is adapting in light of the current situation \u2013 including with Ukraine\u2019s participation and support. The summit in question confirmed all of this. Its public session and final declaration are revealing, though they are general in nature. They can be supplemented with noteworthy details. It is worth examining them more closely. Let\u2019s start with the well-known issues that define the underlying aspects of NATO\u2019s activities. <\/span>Indeed, participants at the NATO summit in Ankara clearly identified Russia as the main and long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability.<\/b> The reason was also cited: Russia\u2019s aggressive foreign policy and its potential attack on Europe. At the same time, it was acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine war has shattered peace in Europe and has even become the largest armed conflict since World War II. This position was supported by all NATO members, including the United States, which had previously avoided such strong language. In other words, the North Atlantic Alliance has united completely around the issue of countering Russia, whose hopes for US President Donald Trump and attempts to divide NATO have failed.<\/span><\/p>\n NATO allies reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to collective defence in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. They also confirmed that the plans and principles for building a new European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture remain unchanged. <\/b>As is well known, these agreements provide for a redistribution of roles between the United States and Europe \u2013 specifically the EU and the European component of NATO \u2013 in light of the primary threats to their security. Under this approach, the United States is to focus its efforts on containing China globally and in the Asia-Pacific region in particular. Europe, with American support, is to counter Russia. At this, the USA will continue to be responsible for Europe\u2019s strategic nuclear security alongside the United Kingdom, France, and other Alliance member states that possess nuclear weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n These plans are already being implemented in practice. In particular, agreements have been reached to enhance Europe\u2019s role in NATO\u2019s command structures. The United States retains the positions of Supreme Allied Commander Europe, as well as the commanders of Allied Land Command, Allied Maritime Command, and Allied Air Command. It commands the respective branches of NATO\u2019s Allied Forces in the European theater of operations.<\/span><\/p>\n As for the United Kingdom, it will assume the position of Commander of NATO\u2019s Allied Command North, while Italy will be responsible for NATO\u2019s Allied Command South. Germany and Poland will take turns leading NATO\u2019s Joint Forces Command in Western, Central, and Central-Eastern Europe. These command structures direct the operations of NATO\u2019s Joint Forces in their respective parts of the European theater of operations.<\/span><\/p>\n In connection with the expansion of NATO\u2019s area of responsibility following the accession of Finland and Sweden, the issue of establishing new Alliance command structures in Northern Europe and ensuring their operational readiness was also considered. Today, NATO\u2019s Multi-Corps Land Component Command \u201cNorthern Europe\u201d has already been deployed in Finland and has begun operations. The new Command reports to NATO\u2019s Joint Land Command.<\/span><\/p>\n Besides, a new NATO Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) of the NATO Allied Air Forces has been deployed in Norway (in Bude), which reports to NATO\u2019s Allied Air Command. The Center will be fully operational in 2027. It is already participating in military exercises. There are also plans to deploy a new NATO Joint Maritime Command in Northern Europe, which will report to the Alliance\u2019s Allied Maritime Command.<\/span><\/p>\n In 2024, NATO leadership adopted a new concept designed to repel a Russian attack on the eastern borders of Alliance member states and prevent Russian forces\u2019 possible breakthrough deep into their territory. Previously, such a scenario was considered possible, but with a subsequent restoration of the situation through counteroffensive operations. However, NATO gave up this tactic after evidence emerged of widespread atrocities committed by Russian military personnel in the occupied territories of Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n Under this approach, NATO\u2019s forward presence in Central and Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Northeastern Europe, and the Baltic states is being strengthened. A decision has been made to establish a new NATO multinational Rapid Deployment Corps (RDC) in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Currently, these countries and Poland are covered by the \u201cNortheast\u201d Rapid Deployment Corps. The new Rapid Deployment Corps is being formed on the basis of the Eurocorps, which is a joint rapid deployment force of France and Germany.<\/span><\/p>\n Once the aforementioned force is formed, the \u201cNortheast\u201d Rapid Deployment Corps will focus on defending Poland and the so-called Suwalki Corridor, which runs along the border between Poland and Lithuania and connects Russia\u2019s Kaliningrad region with Belarus. According to many experts, it is there that the main Russian offensive could take place.<\/span><\/p>\n Another Rapid Deployment Force will be established in Finland, Norway, and Sweden under the command of NATO\u2019s Multinational Corps \u201cNorthern Europe\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n A planned reduction in US troops in the European theater of operations is also set to begin. During the summit, the USA announced that it would conduct an inspection of US forces in Europe over the next six months to determine whether some of them could be withdrawn from Europe. This is intended to free up resources to strengthen the USA\u2019s military presence in the Asia-Pacific theater. The following factors will be taken into account during the relevant assessments:<\/span><\/p>\n In the process of making decisions on these issues, the US Department of Defense will consult with Congress and NATO allies.<\/span><\/p>\n Washington has, in fact, agreed to proceed according to a plan that suits Europe. First, the reduction of the USA\u2019s presence in the European theater of operations will take place in a controlled manner \u2013 that is, not chaotically, as is currently the case. Second, the procedure for troop withdrawal and its parameters will be coordinated with Europe and individual European countries, and the process itself will be conducted in a way that does not undermine their defense capabilities. In other words, the plans to reduce US troops in Europe are objective and irreversible and will not be revised following a change in administration in the United States. This was finally agreed upon at the NATO summit.<\/span><\/p>\n The decision made at the NATO summit in The Hague to increase defense spending by Alliance member states to 5% of GDP has been confirmed. A significant portion of these funds will go toward the production of weapons and military equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n At the summit in Ankara, agreement was reached on new military equipment and hardware procurements totaling $50 billion, as well as on expanding collective production capacity and cooperation with industry to foster innovation. An agreement was reached on further efforts to remove barriers to trade in defence products among NATO partners.<\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland agreed to establish a new Multilateral Defence Mechanism (MDM). The goal is to simplify procedures for financing defense projects, jointly procure weapons, and ensure favorable conditions for the development of allies\u2019 military capabilities. One of the priorities is continued support for Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n NATO leaders and member states have recognized that Ukraine has made a significant contribution to transatlantic security and expressed their unanimous support for our country in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.<\/b> They believe that such support is fair, predictable, and sustainable in the long term. In this context, Ukraine was identified as one of the key components of the European and Euro-Atlantic security system. NATO leadership considers it the front line of such a system in the southeastern direction and a powerful force for military deterrence against Russia. Summit participants agreed that Ukraine effectively shields the southern parts of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria from potential Russian attacks on land and in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n As part of Ukraine\u2019s participation in NATO Joint Forces exercises, the country is being integrated into the Alliance\u2019s military structure. At the summit, NATO leadership decided to involve Ukraine in the planning of the exercises in which it will participate. This year, these will include Steadfast Pyramid and Pinnacle, Noble Jolt, and Steadfast Duel. During these exercises, participants will work on conducting joint military operations, functioning of command-and-control systems, and collective deterrence mechanisms. Previously, only NATO member states were involved in such exercises. An exception has been made for Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n Ukrainian representatives will also participate in the LCI-X exercises, during which air defense systems will be refined. They will play the role of a simulated adversary (Red Team), employing the tactics used by Russian aviation and UAVs. This will make it possible to create scenarios that are as close to reality as possible, based on Ukraine\u2019s combat experience. Ukraine\u2019s involvement in planning the exercises will allow for the integration of practical experience from modern warfare directly into the exercise programs.<\/span><\/p>\n For their part, NATO and the EU serve as operational and strategic rear areas for Ukraine. Logistical hubs are located in Poland and Romania, through which weapons are supplied to meet the needs of our country\u2019s Defence Forces. Gas pipelines and power lines run through Hungary and Slovakia, enabling Ukraine to receive gas and electricity from Europe. Furthermore, Ukraine\u2019s defence industry is already, in fact, integrated into the European defense industry. Moreover, it is not only a consumer of technology but also a supplier of it. This refers to unmanned aerial vehicles. As is well known, Ukraine is one of the world leaders in this field. It could also become a hub for the consolidation of European missile technologies, which would enable Europe to become independent of the United States in the production of ballistic missiles and missile defence systems. Work in this direction is ongoing. For example, US President Donald Trump agreed that licenses for the production of missiles for the Patriot air defense system could be transferred to Ukraine. At the same time, on the sidelines of the summit, the Ukrainian company Fire Point and the German company HENSOLDT signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the joint integration of their components into the FREYJA air defense system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles. And as part of the Drone Deal program, Ukraine signed agreements with Estonia, Denmark, and the Netherlands on the production of UAVs. Another agreement was signed with Germany on the joint production of Bars drone missiles for the needs of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. The project will be funded by the German side.<\/span><\/p>\n It should be noted that European NATO and EU members are Ukraine\u2019s main financial donors. At the summit, NATO leadership confirmed plans to allocate $80 billion in 2026 to purchase weapons for Ukraine and train Ukrainian military personnel. Of this amount, $32 billion will come from the defence component of the EU loan, and $48 billion will be provided on a bilateral basis. The same amount will be allocated to Ukraine in 2027.<\/span><\/p>\n Separately, Norway has announced that it is allocating $300 million to strengthen Ukraine\u2019s air defence. Specifically, these funds will be used to purchase missiles for Patriot systems. Canada, meanwhile, has announced a new large-scale military aid package for Ukraine totaling $640 million. It has also invited Ukraine to become a founding member of the Defence, Security, and Resilience Bank (DSRB). Albania, Belgium, Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, and Turkey have joined this initiative. The goal is to raise $134 billion.<\/span><\/p>\n The prospects of Ukraine\u2019s NATO membership were not actively discussed at the summit. At present, everyone realizes that this is impossible to achieve amid the war. This is especially true given that the United States is generally opposed to Ukraine\u2019s accession to the North Atlantic Alliance, as it views this as the main cause of the Russian-Ukrainian war. According to NATO Secretary General M. Rutte, in the current situation, Ukraine\u2019s military-technical cooperation with the Alliance is more relevant than its accession to it. Therefore, NATO will expand opportunities for industrial cooperation and joint production with Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n Security guarantees that the Alliance can provide to our country once the war is over will constitute a separate area of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO within the framework of the new European and Euro-Atlantic security system. The United States may also join in providing these guarantees. Indeed, Donald Trump expressed America\u2019s readiness to close the skies over Ukraine in the postwar period.<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike at the previous NATO summit, the topic of resuming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia was hardly raised at all.<\/b> It is clear that at this stage, no one is seriously counting on this anymore. US President Donald Trump was the exception. He once again expressed confidence that Ukraine and Russia could cease hostilities and move toward dialogue in the very near future. According to him, the USA, Ukraine, and Europe can, through joint efforts, force Moscow to make peace. In this regard, D. Trump endorsed Ukraine\u2019s operation to strike Russia\u2019s oil and gas infrastructure, which is effectively being carried out with the support of the USA and Europe. He also pointed out the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and Ukrainian soldiers, who skillfully use American weapons and demonstrate courage on the battlefield.<\/span><\/p>\n The shift in the USA\u2019s attitude to Europe \u2013 from de facto confrontation to constructive cooperation \u2013 has also led to a virtual end to internal divisions within NATO.<\/b> This was evident in the proceedings of the aforementioned summit. Despite the pro-Russian stance of the leaders of Slovakia, Bulgaria, and, to some extent, the Czech Republic, they did not obstruct NATO\u2019s decisions to provide assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, the Czech Republic joined the PURL program, which provides for the purchase of weapons from the USA using European funds. Previously, Russia\u2019s supporters in NATO and the EU had relied on D. Trump, who backed them in their efforts to divide and weaken Europe. Now they lack such support. Consequently, they have scaled back their anti-Ukrainian activities.<\/span><\/p>\n The summit also discussed other issues, particularly regarding the situation in the Balkan Peninsula and the Middle East. However, these did not directly concern Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n So, the NATO summit in Ankara demonstrated that NATO\u2019s unity on issues of Euro-Atlantic security is strengthening. Russia\u2019s aggressive foreign policy is considered the main source of threats to this unity. This refers, first and foremost, to its war against Ukraine and preparations for a possible attack on Europe. As part of efforts to counter these and other threats to NATO allies, the Alliance\u2019s leadership is working to build a new European and Euro-Atlantic security framework that calls for a redistribution of responsibilities between the United States and Europe. There are already tangible results in the implementation of these plans.<\/b><\/p>\n Ukraine is a key component of the European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture. With this in mind, NATO provides Ukraine with comprehensive assistance. This assistance is long-term in nature and includes funding to strengthen our country\u2019s defence, the transfer and joint production of weapons, as well as participation in the training of Ukrainian military personnel. At the same time, through joint exercises, Ukraine is integrating into NATO\u2019s military system.<\/b><\/p>\n For now, Ukraine\u2019s accession to NATO is not on the agenda. However, it is already interacting with the Alliance on par with full NATO members. Currently, with the support of the United States and NATO, Ukraine is conducting a successful operation to compel Russia to make peace. It is creating the conditions for ending the war in a manner that serves our country\u2019s interests.<\/b><\/p>\n Yurii Ilchenko, Yurii Ilchenko<\/p>\n Strengthening the Alliance and Ukraine\u2019s Defense<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":34128,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[261,260],"tags":[268],"class_list":["post-34127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analitika","category-publikacii","tag-ilchenko","wp-image-borders"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.2","language":"en","enabled_languages":["uk","en","ru","fr","ar"],"languages":{"uk":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":true},"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":true},"ru":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"fr":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":true},"ar":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false}}},"gutentor_comment":0,"yoast_head":"\n\n
\n<\/b>Institute for Global Politics<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"