NATO need for a warfighting transformation.

NATO’s chief, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, urged Western entities to prepare for an unpredictable era, emphasizing the need for a warfighting transformation within the alliance. In a two-day meeting of defense chiefs in Brussels, he highlighted the shift from a time of abundance and predictability to an era where anything can happen, stressing the importance of focusing on effectiveness.

Bauer’s call for adaptation follows Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, prompting a shift in mindset towards expecting the unexpected and prioritizing effectiveness. Amidst political disagreements in the United States and the European Union causing delays in military aid, Bauer assured NATO’s ongoing support for Ukraine, emphasizing the global significance of the conflict’s outcome.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed concerns about Western hesitation potentially prolonging the conflict, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized EU allies for insufficient support to Kyiv. Despite challenges, Scholz expressed confidence in the EU approving a 50 billion-euro aid package for Ukraine at an upcoming emergency summit on Feb. 1, following a previous setback in December due to opposition from Hungary.