NATO leaders have committed to providing Ukraine with a minimum of $43bn in military assistance over the next year to strengthen its defenses against Russia and formally acknowledge Kyiv's path to becoming a member of the Western military alliance. The financial commitments, outlined in a final statement following a NATO summit in Washington, D.C., included individual and collective efforts to enhance the security of Ukraine and Europe. This included announcements from the United States, Netherlands, and Denmark that the first F-16 fighter jets supplied by NATO would be operational in the Ukrainian military's hands by summer. Additionally, the US disclosed plans to deploy extended-range missiles in Germany by 2026 as a significant measure to counter the perceived increase in Russia's threat to Europe. This deployment signifies the highest-level provision of US armaments on European soil since the Cold War era and would have violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty signed between the US and the Soviet Union in 1987, which collapsed in 2019. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for NATO's efforts to bolster his air force, emphasizing that the new fighter jets bring peace closer and demonstrate resilience against terror. NATO's commitment to Ukraine included an agreement to supply dozens of air defense systems, with the US committed to providing four Patriot missile systems for Ukraine, supported by other member states' assistance in maintenance. While Ukraine's aspiration for NATO membership was acknowledged, the actual invitation would be extended when all conditions align per the allies' consensus. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg clarified that Ukraine's accession to the alliance would occur post-war to prevent future Russian aggression. He highlighted that the aid provided is aimed at ending the conflict promptly, not prolonging it. Several countries, including the US, have opposed Ukraine's immediate membership to prevent escalating tensions and stress the necessity for Ukraine to address corruption and enact systemic reforms. The NATO statement also reinforced its stance on China, labelling it a significant supporter of Russia's actions in Ukraine and a continual threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Regarding potential shifts in US support for NATO, Stoltenberg defended the alliance, stating that criticisms were primarily related to inadequate defense investments by allies, a situation that has improved with more countries meeting the 2% GDP spending target. Despite political uncertainties, President Biden reiterated the US's commitment to NATO and emphasized the alliance's collective defense capability, highlighting the increase in military spending and troop deployments on NATO's eastern border since he assumed office. The NATO summit, with leaders from 32 member nations and additional partners, underscores Biden's engagement with international affairs ahead of the upcoming US election, amidst concerns over his administration's continuity and potential foreign policy shifts post-election.