Blinken pledges to help women fighting in Ukraine as NATO summit kicks off in DC

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – NATO leaders from around the world are in Washington, D.C. this week to mark the 75 ^th anniversary of the military alliance. Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off Tuesday’s events at the State Department during the NATO Women, Peace and Security Reception.

Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of having women in leadership positions throughout NATO and around the world.

“When societies have higher levels of gender equality, entire countries are more stable. They’re more prosperous. They’re more peaceful,” Blinken said. “This is not just a women’s issue. It’s a national security issue, an economic issue and, yes, a moral issue as well.”

During his remarks, Blinken also reinforced the United States’ commitment to Ukraine. He announced that NATO allies will provide more than $7 million worth of equipment for Ukrainian women who are currently on the front lines.

“From the moment Putin launched his full-scale invasion, Ukrainian women have stepped up in every conceivable way to defend their country, to defend their communities, to defend their families,” Blinken said.

The State Department said the equipment will include more than 10,000 bulletproof vests, uniforms and boots.

The Secretary of State was joined by female NATO leaders, as well as Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D- N.H.), who sponsored the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) legislation for the United States.

“We were the first and remain the only country to have legislatively passed the WPS agenda, and I’m very proud of that,” Sen. Shaheen said. “Fundamentally WPS acknowledges the disproportionate impact that conflict has on women. But also, the essential role that women play in preventing violence, resolving conflict and ensuring peace.”

Ukraine is not a member of NATO, but its war with Russia is expected to be one of the main focuses of the summit.

President Joe Biden is expected to speak to the 32-member military alliance Tuesday evening. All eyes will be on the president following his disastrous debate performance last month.  The NATO summit will wrap up on Thursday.

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