Our Planet Climate and Geopolitics
Five Nato allies promised Ukraine long-range air-defence systems (one from each country: the US, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands and Italy), as well as shorter-range systems and missiles. Joe Biden called it a “historic donation” as Nato leaders met in Washington – but the country needs at least 27 to protect its territory, according to Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister. Another gesture was made by the Norwegian government, which agreed to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this year. Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, in contrast with his US and German counterparts, made it clear that Ukraine can use Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of 155 miles, to strike targets inside Russia. What Ukraine was not promised at the summit was a timetable for joining Nato. The alliance pledged to create an “irreversible path” for Ukraine to join – until it does, the country will be left at the mercy of Vladimir Putin.
