President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of a strong NATO as crucial to U.S. and global security during the three-day summit marking the 75th anniversary of the alliance in Washington. He highlighted the United States’ commitment to its global partners in the face of challenges in Europe and beyond, particularly in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden emphasized the power of alliances and the need for continued U.S. leadership in the world, stating that the United States is the indispensable nation and must rise to meet the current moment.
At the summit, NATO leaders advanced initiatives to strengthen the alliance and support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Member states pledged to increase defense industrial production, modernize NATO’s command structure, and implement new defense plans developed since the end of the Cold War. The leaders also announced significant steps to further support Ukraine’s defense, including the provision of additional strategic air defense systems by the U.S. and several other NATO allies. The summit focused on strengthening NATO’s ability to respond to various scenarios and domains, as well as advancing Ukraine’s path to membership in the alliance.
During the summit, President Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and announced additional security assistance valued at up to $225 million to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs. Biden also endorsed the Ukraine Compact, which affirms the commitment of more than 20 countries, the European Council, and the European Union to Ukraine’s long-term defense and security. The NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) initiative was established to coordinate equipment, training, and force development for Ukraine as it moves towards full interoperability with NATO. These efforts are seen as paving the way for Ukraine to eventually join the alliance.
In addition to focusing on Ukraine, NATO leaders also pledged to expand partnerships with key allies in the Indo-Pacific region. High-level meetings were held with partners such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to discuss shared concerns, including China’s support of Russia’s defense industrial base. Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss advancements in U.S.-South Korean security cooperation and extend deterrence efforts. The two countries established a Nuclear Consultative Group to strengthen extended deterrence, manage threats posed by North Korea, and further nuclear consultation and strategic planning. Biden and Yoon praised the group’s accomplishments and reiterated the need to continue making progress together on these critical issues.
