Nato officials mull over $146b military fund for Ukraine

It will ensure reliable, long-term security assistance for Kyiv in fight against Russia

Nato foreign ministers met on April 3 to discuss how to put military support for Ukraine on a long-term footing, including a proposal for a €100 billion (S$146 billion) five-year fund and a plan seen as a way to "Trump-proof" aid for Kyiv.

The proposals by Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg would give the Western alliance a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion, diplomats say.

"We need to shift the dynamics of our support," Mr Stoltenberg said as he arrived at the Brussels meeting.

"We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul, so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on Nato commitments; less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges." He said Russia "needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out".

He declined to confirm levels of funding and said the aim was for a decision to be taken at a July summit of Nato leaders.