The takeaway from the NATO top, which used to be about Ukraine and Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — NATO leaders met today to announce the alliance’s seventy-fifth annual meeting amid a cloud of deep political indecision among its staunchest member — the United States.

However, at the same time that questions were swirling about President Joe Biden’s past and the consequences of a conceivable withdrawal into the White Area through NATO skeptic Donald Trump, 32 allies. put a brave face on their power And harmony in the future, especially in the context of Ukraine.

For 3 days in Washington, Ukraine, Russia, an increasingly competitive China and ultimatums wafting past NATO ruled the formal top discussions, even if All attention was on Biden,

He was hoping to capitalize on the top as a symbol of his power as a leader of a different world while struggling to save his re-election campaign. Biden faces growing outcry over his decision to put forward a non-privileged debate performance against Trump of the previous generation.

The main findings from the top are listed here:

Biden will get some relaxation

Biden surprises target audience Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin before temporarily correcting himself at a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on Thursday.

At his press conference at the closing ceremony, he mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as Vice President Trump.

NATO leaders expressed admirable respect for Biden by ignoring or sidestepping questions on his statements, appearance and issues. They praised his leadership and the accomplishments NATO has achieved during his tenure in the White Area, including uniting allies to repel Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and personally engaging Finland and Sweden .

French President Emmanuel Macron and Untouchable British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Asked repeatedly about the mistake but refused to respond immediately.

“We can all have a slip of the tongue,” Macron said. “This has happened to me. I am sure the same will happen to me tomorrow, and I would request you to be kind to me too.”

Macron said he had a long discussion with Biden during a dinner with NATO leaders on Wednesday and eventually heard their discussions in meetings. He described Biden as “very much on top of things.”

“He knows the issues and at the table, he is one of the people who has the deepest knowledge on these international issues,” Macron said.

Starmer, who made her global debut at the top, dodged many questions related to the gaffe, instead praising Biden’s management and his readiness to stage a match to keep Ukraine from faking the result.

“I want to see the gist of what has been achieved in these two days,” he said.

Trump is on top

There is a possible Trump presidency. increase thoughts In some European capitals. Trump has repeatedly questioned the relevance of NATO, suggesting he would possibly pull out of the alliance or threatening not to secede allies who do not meet the 2% defense spending loyalty. Are.

Biden said at his news conference that he is the “best qualified person” to ensure that the 32-member transatlantic alliance remains strong and that Ukraine does not fall under Putin.

Biden said of Trump, “Foreign policy has never been his strong point and he seems to have an affinity for people who are authoritarian.” “It worries Europe, it worries Poland, and no one, including the Polish people, thinks that if (Putin) wins in Ukraine, he will stay in Ukraine.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he has no concerns about US loyalty to the alliance if Trump returns to the White Area, as it enjoys bipartisan support in Congress and a record number of allies have met their targets for military spending. Is receiving.

Trump was asked today on Fox News Radio whether he wanted the US to become a member of NATO. He responded, “No, I want them to pay their bills.”

Meanwhile, Zelensky finally panned out to friendly Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, saying he hoped the US would never leave NATO.

“I hope that if the American people elect President Trump, I hope that his policy with Ukraine will not change,” Zelensky said in a question-and-answer consultation with Fox Information host Brett Baier.

Ukraine brings backup

Even though he canceled the snippet providing Ukraine with a call to secure participation, aides confirmed that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to the NATO club and a baseline of more or less $43 billion in annual aid to Kiev. Pledged to preserve Russia as it defends itself against Russian aggression and seeks to discourage past aggression.

There have been untouched contracts for air defense support, including the Patriot missile program and F-16 fighter jets, as well as guarantees that genuine security trade signed by NATO members with Ukraine represents a “bridge to NATO.” As part of that bridge, NATO promised to hand over vital military backup and training to Ukraine and launch a taut program to help secure the alliance.

“Ukraine’s future lies in NATO,” the allies said in their joint verbal exchange on Wednesday.

Zelensky acknowledged the help of allies who have supplied largely untouched military backup and paved the way for NATO membership, although he tried hard to rush the support restrictions should be lifted On the importance of American guns to attack military targets inside Russia.

“If we want to win, if we want to prevail, if we want to save our country and defend it, we must remove all limits,” Zelensky said. Stoltenberg In the final hours of the crisis Ukraine received an unused Loyalist of guns to defend itself against Russia.

Strong words for China

NATO leaders have been curious about China and its increasing aggression for some time. However, in the primary, he followed much more forceful language, calling on Beijing to assist Russia in the conflict against Ukraine.

verbal exchange China classified as a “decisive supporter” In an effort to combat Russia, Russia’s security business sector is being rebuilt by Chinese investment and exports of dual-use goods. This is helping Russia overcome Western sanctions to increase gun manufacturing in Ukraine.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China described NATO’s overreach in the Indo-Pacific region as counterproductive, harming Beijing’s interests and disrupting peace and balance in the region.

The top four Indo-Pacific countries – Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia – issued a joint statement to “strongly condemn illegal military cooperation” between Russia and North Korea, describing how Military alliance and its Pacific partners They are building closer ties to counter what they see as a shared security ultimatum.

“We must work even more closely to maintain peace and defend the rules-based international order,” Stoltenberg said during a meeting with officials from the four Pacific partners. “Our security is not regional. It is global.”