NATO members divided over long-term Ukraine support ahead of Ankara summit

NATO members are struggling to agree on a long-term military support package for Ukraine, with just days remaining before the alliance's summit in Ankara. Disagreements persist over commitments for 2027, according to German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, citing diplomatic sources.

Allied diplomats have drafted a final declaration that includes allocating 70 billion euros in 2026 for military equipment, training, and other support for Ukraine. However, discussions are stalled over a component that would confirm the multi-year nature of Western support, specifically a commitment to maintain at least the same level of assistance in 2027.

Italy is reportedly opposing the inclusion of an explicit reference to 2027, preventing the formulation from being approved. Ambassadors are set to resume negotiations to overcome the deadlock before the summit begins. For many allies, securing a long-term commitment is a key political objective for the meeting.

Germany has actively supported including such a provision, but the document does not establish a mandatory mechanism for distributing financial contributions among member states. The 70 billion euro figure is not a new assessment of Ukraine's military needs; it comprises 30 billion euros already allocated through the EU's loan program for Ukraine and an additional 40 billion euros agreed upon at the 2024 NATO summit in Washington. If the same support level were maintained in 2027, the total aid for the two years would reach 140 billion euros.