NATO leaders are meeting today in The Hague for this year's NATO Summit. In a world that seems increasingly unpredictable, war continues to rage within Europe. The security of Ukraine is one of the main topics of discussion, testing the resolve of allies and Europe's willingness to shoulder a greater share of the burden of its own defense.
In these volatile times, we must stand with Ukraine and commend the courage and perseverance shown by its people. The occupation and attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory in 2014 created a completely new reality. Years later, Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine changed Europe for the worse. Yet, despite Russia’s belief that Ukraine would not hold out, more than three years later, the Ukrainian people continue to show us what the fight for freedom and democracy looks like.
This war continues to claim lives, destroy communities, and inflict immense suffering, but Ukrainians maintain an unwavering determination to defend their freedom and sovereignty. Moscow's goal is not limited to territorial gains, nor is it driven by real security concerns. Ukraine has never threatened Russia's national security.
On the contrary, an independent, democratic Ukraine poses a challenge to the Kremlin's ambitions. For this reason, Russia rejects proposals for a complete and unconditional ceasefire and rejects credible paths to peace, prolonging its campaign of violence.
Russian forces have razed towns and villages, leaving ruins where once thriving communities once stood. The devastation of Donbas is evident to all. In the occupied territories, Ukrainian identity is being systematically suppressed. This policy threatens not only the survival of the Ukrainian nation, but also the security of other European states.
At the Summit in The Hague, Ukraine will seek continued practical support for its defense, especially in light of continued Russian missile attacks. Ukraine's security is essential and inseparable from the security of the Euro-Atlantic area. We hope that the NATO Summit will serve as a clear sign of transatlantic unity and strength in the face of the challenges posed by Russia.
Ukraine's security remains a top priority for the Alliance. At the Summit, we expect Allies to send a strong message of their continued, long-term support for Ukraine. Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible and is a matter solely for NATO Allies and Ukraine.
The message to Ukraine and NATO allies from the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is clear: in an increasingly dangerous world, we can only protect our countries by working together. So, at the Hague Summit, the United Kingdom comes to the table with a simple, consistent promise: we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes, and we welcome every NATO ally and partner who stands with us.
Montenegro's recent decision to contribute troops to the EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine, in addition to the military assistance and support it already provides through NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package, is an encouraging signal of the collective spirit that the UK wants to see – and that Ukraine needs to see.
But working together also means that all European countries must invest more in both their own defence and in supporting their neighbours. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UK has provided £18 billion to Ukraine – £13 billion in military and £5 billion in non-military support, from humanitarian aid to long-term recovery programmes. This continued investment makes the UK the largest bilateral donor in Europe and demonstrates the breadth of support needed – from battlefield resilience to energy security. The UK is proud to have recently signed a 100-year Partnership Declaration with Ukraine, which provides long-term commitments in defence, reconstruction and training, translating shared ambitions into lasting action.
Others are doing a lot, too, and it is crucial that NATO partners continue to work together to support Ukraine. Montenegro’s announcement is important for two reasons. First, it is a tangible example of how newer and smaller Allies can make a significant contribution. Second, it links NATO’s security assistance to EU training efforts, which will help to bring European institutions together and ensure that resources and time are not wasted working in parallel. The decision also confirms Montenegro’s reputation as a committed ally eight years after joining NATO.
Delivery will always be more than just a promise. This means that the UK approaches The Hague Summit with the hope of seeing a realistic, sustainable timeframe for the increased investment in European defence that we all in Europe know is necessary.
The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine to fight bravely and reform decisively, and in its efforts to secure a strong, lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine's freedom and prosperity and deters future Russian aggression.
The shared commitment of NATO Allies to Ukraine is the story we intend to tell in The Hague – and the fulfillment of that commitment is a promise we will keep long after the Summit is over.
One thing is clear – the only way to show Russia that aggression does not work is through unity of purpose. Ukraine and the NATO community will continue to work together to preserve peace, security, and prosperity across Europe for generations to come. Together we are stronger.
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