Former NATO chief highlights Trump’s key role in shifting alliance's stance on Ukraine aid

Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has highlighted the pivotal role of the United States under President Donald Trump in providing Ukraine with lethal aid, including Javelin missile systems, marking a significant shift in NATO’s policy.

Speaking at a World Economic Forum event focused on Ukraine in Davos, Stoltenberg recalled that between 2014 and 2016, NATO countries were reluctant to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons, fearing it would escalate tensions with Russia, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“It was President Trump who made the decision to supply lethal weapons, including Javelin,” Stoltenberg remarked, recalling the key moment when the US broke from NATO's earlier stance of non-lethal assistance.

Stoltenberg also advised NATO representatives on how to engage with Trump regarding continued military support for Ukraine.

“When there are doubts about what his administration will do, we need to go to Washington and discuss it,” he added, underscoring the importance of direct dialogue with the US to ensure ongoing assistance for Ukraine.

This shift in policy during Trump’s administration has had a lasting impact on NATO's approach to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

By Vafa Guliyeva