Meanwhile: NATO is set to finalize agreement giving alliance "greater role" in Ukraine aid

NATO defense ministers are expected to finalize an agreement Friday that will give the alliance greater control over security assistance and training for Ukraine’s military.

Some officials say the agreement is meant to give Europe greater responsibility over the aid amid uncertainty over the outcome of the US presidential election this fall.

The possibility that former President Donald Trump, who has long been skeptical of providing US military support to NATO and Europe, could win the election “is a huge part” of why NATO is moving forward with the consolidation plan, said one official familiar with the discussions.

It is also a way to give Europe more responsibility over the training and equipping of Ukraine, as the extent of the US’ commitment to supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia post-November remains unclear, the official said. 

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the intent in a news conference Thursday, saying NATO provides “more than 99% of all military support to Ukraine … so it makes sense that NATO takes on a greater role in these efforts.” 

He added, “This will put our support on a firmer footing, provide predictability for Kyiv, and address both immediate and long-term needs.”

CNN previously reported the options around ensuring long-term support for Ukraine, which one senior European diplomat described at the time as “future-proofing.”

The announcement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends the G7 summit in Italy, where he is expected to sign bilateral security agreements with the US and Japan, and speak alongside Biden soon.