NATO’s former deputy commander: Ankara papered over the cracks between Europe and America
Former NATO Deputy Commander Sir Richard Shirreff criticized the alliance's latest summit, saying the €140 billion pledge to Ukraine lacked a coherent strategy. He also stated that Ankara helped conceal divisions between Europe and the United States.
Sir Richard Shirreff, who once served as NATO's second-highest military officer, now advises Ukraine's commander-in-chief. In a recent statement, he expressed disappointment with the NATO summit that promised €140 billion in aid to Ukraine. According to Shirreff, the summit produced no real strategy for supporting Ukraine's war efforts. He emphasized that financial commitments alone are insufficient without a clear operational plan.
Shirreff also addressed the state of transatlantic relations. He noted that Ankara, the Turkish capital, "papered over the cracks" between Europe and America. This suggests that Turkish diplomacy helped maintain a facade of unity, despite underlying disagreements among allies regarding Ukraine policy.
Shirreff's perspective carries weight given his former high-ranking NATO position and his current advisory role in Ukraine. His critique highlights the need for NATO to develop a more strategic approach to the conflict, rather than relying solely on financial pledges.
