Stronger Support for Ukraine Will Hasten End of Russia’s War, - NATO Chief at Meeting with US President
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stressed the need to continue long-term support for Kyiv, arguing that the stronger the support for Ukraine, the sooner Russia's war will end. He said this at a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C., the day before, according to NATO's website.
Stoltenberg welcomed the 10-year bilateral security agreement between the US and Ukraine. At the Washington summit, the leaders are expected to agree on a greater role for the Alliance in coordinating security assistance and training for Ukraine.
The NATO Secretary General announced that in 2024, defence spending by European Allies and Canada will increase by 18%, the "largest increase in a decade".
He also confirmed that 23 Allies have started spending at least 2% of GDP on defence. Over the past four years, the number of Allies that have reached this level of defence spending has more than doubled.
The NATO Secretary General thanked US President Biden for his leadership and strong commitment to the Alliance. He stressed that NATO makes America stronger by advancing US interests.
Stoltenberg is currently on a week-long visit to North America. Today, he will meet with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and talk to senators. On Wednesday, the NATO Secretary General will travel to Ottawa to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He will return to Washington on Thursday to meet with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and members of the US Congress.