WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the second day of the NATO Summit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed some of the most pressing issues for the alliance: the war in Ukraine, the future of NATO and was asked about possible strains in the alliance.
“As we speak the transfer of F-16 jets is underway coming from Denmark, coming from the Netherlands,” said Blinken. “Those jets will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer.”
In a brief discussion at the NATO Summit with Secretary Blinken, he shares the latest military aid against Russia. The jets will significantly bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
Ukraine has taken center stage at the NATO Summit. The alliance recently announced a new command center will take over most of the international support for Ukraine, which will help oversee training and logistics. Blinken touts its a signal of NATO’s unity.
“But that unity doesn’t just happen,” said Blinken. “It’s the product of conversation. Its the product of listening.”
But the alliance’s unity has been tested recently with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visits to Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing for so-called ‘peace missions’ for Ukraine. The visits raised concerns from Kyiv and European officials who insist Orban was not acting on behalf of the entire European bloc.
Some are concerned it shows strains in the alliance but Blinken insists NATO is stronger than ever and expects NATO allies who visit with Moscow and Beijing are sharing that message, too.
“Communicating with adversaries, with enemies that’s fine,” said Blinken. “Communications are important. You want to make sure you’re not misunderstanding each other but I think what’s being communicated is important as well.”
As for the alliance’s future, Blinken said it’s important to continue to listen and communicate with one another so they can keep developing a consensus and stronger unity.
“NATO is stronger than its ever been, bigger than its ever been, its more fit for purpose than its ever been,” said Blinken.
Hungary’s Prime Minister said he will reaffirm that his country will not participate in the NATO-Ukraine mission. Orban believes the alliance is moving away from its original purpose and behaving more like a “war organization”.