The US to announce steps to strengthen European security at NATO summit in Madrid

The United States will announce steps to strengthen European security at NATO's summit in Madrid next week.

US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby announced this at the White House press briefing on June 23.

"The US will announce steps to strengthen European security alongside expected major new contributions from allies," Kirby said. 

Kirby added that in Madrid next week, NATO leaders would announce new force posture commitments to strengthen NATO's defense and deterrent posture. 

He added that for the first time, the summit would be attended by leaders of the Indo-Pacific region from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.

This makes clear "that whether it's in Europe or the Indo-Pacific region, the United States and our allies and partners will defend the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity." 

On June 23, the United States announced a $450 million tranche of military assistance to Ukraine. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $8.7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. 

"The United States has now committed approximately $6.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $6.1 billion since the beginning of russia's unprovoked invasion on February 24," Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Todd Breasseale said. 

The package includes four HIMARS high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 36,000 rounds of 105 mm ammunition, 18 tactical vehicles to tow 155 mm artillery, 1,200 grenade launchers, 2,000 machine guns, and 18 coastal and riverine patrol boats, spare parts, and other equipment. 

National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said at the White House on June 23 that President Biden and President Zelensky spoke last week. US President assured him that the United States would continue to bolster Ukraine's defenses and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 "The bravery and determination of the Ukrainian armed forces, let alone their fellow citizens, continues to inspire the world, and we are committed to standing with them as they fight for their freedom," Kirby noted.