Ahead of the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, led a letter to President Biden co-signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), reaffirming bipartisan Senate support for the Alliance and outlining the delegation’s vision for successful outcomes.

The Senators wrote, in part, “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia’s neighbors, and indeed the whole of Europe, will remain under threat by Vladimir Putin until Ukraine wins the war on its own terms. Recent developments in Russia highlight instability and growing signs of weakness within Russia’s institutions and its military, validating our shared conviction that Ukraine will win this war. Since the reestablishment of this group in 2018, the Senate NATO Observer Group has demonstrated to our allies and adversaries alike that Congress remains committed to the principles and values which underpin NATO and our collective security. This bipartisan group of Senators supports your efforts to maintain and strengthen transatlantic unity at this critical moment for the Alliance.”

The Senators outlined a list of objectives, including:

The creation of a realistic path towards NATO membership for Ukraine. The Senators also reaffirmed their support for the creation of a NATO-Ukraine Council, offering a formal mechanism for the Alliance’s coordination with Ukraine.

Securing a firm commitment from Allies for an increase in defense spending to two percent, a metric only seven members of the Alliance have achieved.

Working with Allies and with the leaders of Türkiye and Hungary to secure Sweden’s NATO membership.

Recognition within NATO of the multidimensional challenges faced from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).