NATO has said that Ukraine is on its way to becoming a member and will get more help. Leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden showed their support for Ukraine at the NATO summit in Washington, DC. Biden said NATO is stronger than ever on its 75th anniversary.
What is NATO and Why was it Created?
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) started in 1949 with 12 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and France. It was set up to stop the Soviet Union’s expansion in Europe. If one NATO country is attacked, the others must help defend it. NATO doesn’t have its own army but can take joint military actions.
Who are NATO Members?
NATO has 32 members from Europe and North America, like the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Turkey. After the Soviet Union fell in 1991, Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, and others joined. Recently, Finland and Sweden became members. Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia also want to join.
Why isn’t Ukraine in NATO Yet, and When Could it Join?
Russia doesn’t want Ukraine to join NATO because it fears NATO forces will get too close to its borders. In 2008, NATO said Ukraine could join eventually. After Russia invaded in 2022, Ukraine asked to join as soon as possible. NATO’s leader said Ukraine will join, but not until the war with Russia ends.
How is NATO Helping Ukraine?
NATO members are giving Ukraine weapons and training to fight Russia. Countries like the US, UK, and Germany have sent military supplies. NATO plans to set up a $100 billion fund to help Ukraine over the next five years. Even though NATO hasn’t sent troops to Ukraine, it is supporting Ukraine in other ways.
What are NATO’s Defenses Against Russia?
NATO has increased its high-alert troops in Europe from 40,000 to over 300,000 and boosted defenses near Russia. The US and European countries have also increased their defense spending.
NATO’s Spending on Defense
NATO wants each member to spend at least 2% of their national income on defense. In 2024, 23 countries are expected to meet this target. The biggest spenders are the US and countries near Russia. NATO’s European members and Canada have significantly increased their defense budgets.
This news highlights NATO’s support for Ukraine and its efforts to strengthen defenses against Russia.
For more details, you can refer to the original article from BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18023383