Media: Italy blocks longer-term NATO aid commitment for Ukraine ahead of summit

NATO member states have not yet reached agreement on a longer-term commitment to military assistance for Ukraine after Italy reportedly objected to including a pledge for support beyond 2026, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), citing diplomatic sources.

The newspaper reported that NATO permanent representatives on June 30 approved draft language for the alliance's final summit declaration stating that €70 billion will be allocated to Ukraine in 2026 for weapons, military support and training.

The original draft also included a commitment to continue assistance to Kyiv in 2027 "at least at a comparable level." However, Italy opposed specifying aid commitments for the following year, leaving the issue unresolved.

Diplomats are expected to meet again on July 2 in an effort to finalise the text before the alliance's upcoming summit.

German officials are seeking to ensure the declaration includes a clear commitment by NATO to provide long-term support for Ukraine.

The NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7–8, where alliance leaders are expected to discuss continued military assistance for Ukraine and other security priorities.

By Sabina Mammadli