Fund of 100 billion euros / It would be the first arms delivery of the organization that only offered non-lethal aid to Ukraine, fearing that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s proposals would give the alliance a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine in the fight against Russia’s invasion, diplomats say.

The plans will be discussed during a two-day meeting in Brussels that will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and prepare for a summit of alliance leaders in Washington in July.

The meeting will provide insight into the extent to which Ukraine’s European allies are willing to support Kiev’s war effort as an estimated $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine remains stalled in the US Congress.

Reuters writes that under the plans, NATO would take over some of the coordination work from an ad hoc coalition led by the US, a move intended in part to protect against any reduction in US support if Donald Trump returns to the House White, the diplomats declared.

Until now, NATO as an organization has focused on non-lethal aid to Ukraine, fearing that a more direct role could trigger an escalation of tensions with Russia.

NATO declined to comment in detail on Stoltenberg’s proposals, but an official said ministers would “discuss the best way to organize NATO’s support for Ukraine to make it stronger, more predictable and more sustainable.”

“No final decisions will be made at the ministerial meetings in April, and discussions will continue as we approach the summit in Washington in July,” the official said.

Diplomats have warned that talks on the proposal are at an early stage and it is not clear whether the 100 billion euro figure will be accepted or how it will be financed.