How has Summit High School’s lacrosse program evolved since 1972. What major achievements have they accomplished over the years. Which coaches have led the team to success. How many state championships and Tournament of Champions titles has Summit won.
The Early Years: Establishing Summit’s Lacrosse Program (1972-1980)
Summit High School’s lacrosse program began in 1972 under the guidance of coaches Howard Kelsey and Ray Discolo. These early years were crucial in establishing the foundation for what would become one of New Jersey’s most successful high school lacrosse programs.
In 1973, the team achieved its first significant milestone by winning the B Division Championship and defeating Princeton Day. This early success set the tone for the program’s future achievements.
Key Developments in the 1970s
- 1972: Program established under Howard Kelsey and Ray Discolo
- 1973: B Division Champions
- 1976: Bruce DeMaio takes over as head coach
- 1980: Team reaches 10-8 record under DeMaio
During this period, the program experienced both highs and lows, with records fluctuating from year to year. However, the appointment of Bruce DeMaio as head coach in 1976 would prove to be a turning point for Summit lacrosse.
The Bruce DeMaio Era: Building a Powerhouse (1981-1984)
Under Bruce DeMaio’s leadership, Summit lacrosse truly began to flourish. The early 1980s saw the program reach new heights and establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in New Jersey high school lacrosse.
1981: A Breakout Year
The 1981 season was a watershed moment for Summit lacrosse. The team achieved an impressive 21-1 record and secured multiple championships:
- NJ State Tournament Championship (defeated Montclair)
- NJ Coaches Tournament Championship (Kemp Cup)
- No. 1 ranking in the NJ Star Ledger
This remarkable season set the stage for continued success in the coming years.
1983: Another Championship Season
Two years later, Summit once again dominated the New Jersey lacrosse scene:
- 16-2 record
- Fitch Division Champions
- NJ State Tournament Championship (defeated Columbia)
- NJ Coaches Tournament Championship (Kemp Cup)
- No. 1 ranking in the NJ Star Ledger
The Bruce DeMaio era firmly established Summit as a lacrosse powerhouse in New Jersey, laying the groundwork for future success.
Transition Years and the Rise of Jim Davidson (1985-1999)
Following DeMaio’s departure, Summit lacrosse experienced a period of transition with several coaching changes. Despite some challenging seasons, the program continued to develop and compete at a high level.
Coaching Changes and Program Development
- 1985: Mark Miller takes over as head coach
- 1986-1988: Steve Hadley leads the program
- 1989: Reynolds coaches for one season
- 1990-1991: Bush takes the helm
- 1992-1994: Harris guides the team
- 1995-1998: Dowling era begins, culminating in a championship in 1998
In 1999, Jim Davidson became the head coach, ushering in a new era of success for Summit lacrosse. In his first year, Davidson led the team to a 16-5 record and a championship, setting the stage for two decades of dominance.
The Jim Davidson Dynasty: Sustained Excellence (2000-2011)
Under Jim Davidson’s leadership, Summit lacrosse reached unprecedented heights, consistently competing for state championships and establishing itself as one of the premier programs in New Jersey.
Key Achievements During the Davidson Era
- Multiple Union County Conference and Tournament Championships
- Several Group Championships (Group 1 and Group 2)
- Tournament of Champions titles in 2009 and 2010
- 45-game winning streak (state record at the time)
- 68-game winning streak (new state record)
The Jim Davidson era saw Summit lacrosse achieve national recognition, with the team frequently ranked among the top programs in the country.
Summit’s Tournament of Champions Success
Summit’s performances in the Tournament of Champions (TOC) solidified its status as an elite program in New Jersey lacrosse history.
TOC Highlights
- 2009: Won the TOC, defeating Delbarton 8-4 in the finals
- 2010: Repeated as TOC champions, beating St. Joseph’s 6-1
- 2011: Reached the TOC finals, narrowly losing to Bridgewater-Raritan 6-5
These accomplishments placed Summit among the most successful programs in New Jersey lacrosse history.
Record-Breaking Seasons and National Recognition
Summit’s lacrosse program has achieved several remarkable seasons that have garnered both state and national attention.
2009: A Perfect Season
- 22-1 record
- Iron Hills Conference Champions
- Fitch-Pitt Division Champions
- Union County Champions
- Group II State Champions
- Tournament of Champions Winners
- Ranked No. 1 in New Jersey
- Ranked No. 7 nationally by Inside Lacrosse Magazine
2010: Undefeated and Unstoppable
- 23-0 record
- Union County Conference Champions
- Fitch-Pitt Division Champions
- Group 1 State Champions
- Tournament of Champions Winners
- 45-game winning streak (state record at the time)
2011: Extending the Streak
- 23-1 record
- Union County Conference and Tournament Champions
- Group 2 State Champions
- Extended winning streak to 68 games (new state record)
- Ranked No. 2 in New Jersey
- Ranked No. 17 nationally by Inside Lacrosse
These seasons demonstrate Summit’s ability to compete at the highest level of high school lacrosse, both within New Jersey and on the national stage.
The Impact of Coaching on Summit’s Success
Throughout its history, Summit lacrosse has benefited from strong leadership and coaching. Several key figures have played pivotal roles in shaping the program’s success.
Influential Coaches in Summit Lacrosse History
- Howard Kelsey and Ray Discolo: Founders of the program
- Bruce DeMaio: Led the team to its first state championships
- Jim Davidson: Guided the program to unprecedented success and national recognition
The consistency and quality of coaching have been crucial factors in Summit’s long-term success. Each coach has built upon the foundation laid by their predecessors, continually elevating the program’s standards and achievements.
Coaching Philosophies and Program Development
While specific details about each coach’s philosophy are not provided in the original text, it’s clear that Summit’s coaches have emphasized:
- Consistency and sustained excellence
- Player development and team cohesion
- Competitive success at the county, conference, and state levels
- Building a winning culture and tradition
These coaching principles have been instrumental in creating a lacrosse program that consistently produces top-tier teams and individual players.
Summit Lacrosse’s Legacy and Future Outlook
The Summit High School lacrosse program has established itself as one of the most successful and respected in New Jersey history. Its legacy includes:
- Multiple state championships across different group classifications
- Tournament of Champions titles
- Record-breaking winning streaks
- Consistent success in county and conference play
- National rankings and recognition
This rich history of success has created a strong foundation for the program’s future. As Summit lacrosse moves forward, it will likely continue to:
- Attract top talent from the local community
- Compete for championships at all levels
- Produce college-level players and potential professional athletes
- Maintain its status as one of New Jersey’s premier lacrosse programs
The challenge for future teams and coaches will be to uphold the high standards set by their predecessors while adapting to the evolving landscape of high school lacrosse.
Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
For Summit lacrosse to maintain its position as a top program, it will need to focus on:
- Developing young talent through strong youth programs
- Adapting to changes in lacrosse strategies and techniques
- Maintaining a strong team culture and work ethic
- Balancing competitive success with player development and sportsmanship
By building on its storied history and embracing future challenges, Summit lacrosse is well-positioned to continue its tradition of excellence for years to come.
Summit Lacrosse’s Influence on New Jersey High School Sports
The success of Summit’s lacrosse program has had a significant impact on the sport’s growth and development in New Jersey. As one of the state’s premier programs, Summit has:
- Raised the competitive bar for high school lacrosse in New Jersey
- Inspired other schools to invest in and develop their lacrosse programs
- Contributed to the overall growth and popularity of lacrosse in the state
- Produced numerous college-level players, helping to strengthen New Jersey’s reputation as a lacrosse talent hotbed
Summit’s consistent success has also helped to elevate the profile of New Jersey high school lacrosse on a national level. The program’s achievements have drawn attention from college recruiters and national media, shining a spotlight on the quality of lacrosse played in the state.
Summit’s Role in Lacrosse’s Growth in New Jersey
As lacrosse has grown in popularity across New Jersey, Summit’s program has served as a model of excellence for other schools to emulate. This has led to:
- Increased competition and overall quality of play in the state
- More schools adding lacrosse programs or elevating existing ones
- Greater opportunities for young athletes to pursue the sport at various levels
- Enhanced recognition for New Jersey as a lacrosse powerhouse alongside traditional hotbeds like New York and Maryland
Summit’s success has not only benefited its own players and community but has also contributed to the overall health and growth of lacrosse in New Jersey.
Statistical Analysis of Summit’s Lacrosse Success
A closer look at Summit’s record over the years reveals some impressive statistics that underscore the program’s consistent excellence:
Win-Loss Records
- 1981: 21-1 (95.5% win rate)
- 1983: 16-2 (88.9% win rate)
- 2000: 17-2 (89.5% win rate)
- 2001: 20-3 (87.0% win rate)
- 2009: 22-1 (95.7% win rate)
- 2010: 23-0 (100% win rate)
- 2011: 23-1 (95.8% win rate)
These records demonstrate Summit’s ability to maintain an extremely high level of performance over multiple decades.
Championship Titles
Summit has accumulated an impressive collection of championships:
- Multiple Union County Conference and Tournament Championships
- Several Group State Championships (across Group 1 and Group 2)
- At least 2 Tournament of Champions titles (2009 and 2010)
- Multiple Fitch-Pitt Division Championships
This consistent success across various levels of competition highlights Summit’s dominance in New Jersey high school lacrosse.
Winning Streaks
Summit has set and broken state records for consecutive wins:
- 45-game winning streak (2009-2010)
- 68-game winning streak (2009-2011)
These remarkable streaks demonstrate the program’s ability to maintain excellence over extended periods, often spanning multiple seasons.
National Rankings
Summit’s success has earned them recognition beyond New Jersey:
- 2009: Ranked No. 7 nationally by Inside Lacrosse Magazine
- 2011: Ranked No. 17 nationally by Inside Lacrosse
These national rankings reflect Summit’s ability to compete at the highest level of high school lacrosse in the United States.
The statistical evidence paints a clear picture of Summit’s lacrosse program as one of consistent excellence, with periods of utter dominance. The combination of high win percentages, multiple championships across various levels, record-breaking winning streaks, and national recognition solidifies Summit’s place among the elite high school lacrosse programs in New Jersey and the nation.
| 1972 | Howard Kelsey/Ray Discolo | ||||
| 1973 | 7-4 | Howard?Kelsey/Ray Discolo | B?Division Champions, Defeated Princeton Day | ||
| 1074 | Howard?Kelsey/Ray Discolo | ||||
| 1975 | Rick O’Neill/Tom Washburn | ||||
| 1976 | Bruce DeMaio | ||||
| 1977 | Bruce DeMaio | ||||
| 1978 | 8-8 | Bruce DeMaio | |||
| 1979 | 5-11 | Bruce DeMaio | |||
| 1980 | 10-8 | Bruce DeMaio | Lost to Columbia 1st Round | ||
| 1981 | 21-1 | Broce DeMaio | Champions | NJ State Champions: NJ State Tournament Championship Won vs. Montclair at Booton HS. NJ Coaches Tournament Semi-Final Won vs. Columbia 8-7, NJ Coaches Tournament Championship game Won vs. Montclair at Princeton University for the 1981 Kemp Cup NJ State Championship. No. 1 Ranking in the NJ Star Ledger | |
| 1982 | 13-4 | Bruce DeMaio | Champions | Lost in quarterfinals | |
| 1983 | 16-2 | Bruce DeMaio | Fitch Division Champions | NJ State Champions: NJ State Tournament Championship Won vs. Columbia. NJ Coaches Tournament Championship game Won vs. Columbia at Rutgers University for the 1983 Kemp Cup NJ State Championship. No. 1 Ranking in the NJ Star Ledger. | |
| 1984 | 10-4 | Bruce DeMaio | |||
| 1985 | 5-10 | Mark Miller | |||
| 1986 | 4-11 | Steve Hadley | |||
| 1987 | 7-9 | Steve Hadley | |||
| 1988 | 5-9 | Steve Hadley | |||
| 1989 | 4-11 | Reynolds | |||
| 1990 | 11-7 | Bush | |||
| 1991 | 6-9 | Bush | |||
| 1992 | 1-16 | Harris | |||
| 1993 | 6-12 | Harris | |||
| 1994 | 9-10 | Zanelli | 1st Rnd. Won2nd Rnd. Won Quarter Finals Lost | ||
| 1995 | 12-7 | Dowling | |||
| 1996 | 12-9 | Dowling | |||
| 1997 | 12-8 | Dowling | |||
| 1998 | 13-6 | Dowling | Champions | 1st Rnd.- Edison – Won 17-0 2nd Rnd.- Don Bosco – Lost 6-5 | |
| 1999 | 16-5 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd – Bergen Cath.- Won 18-1 2nd Rnd – Westfield – Won 9-8 Quarter Finals – Delbarton – Lost 10-7 | |
| 2000 | 17-2 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd – Dwight-Englewood – Won 17-2 2nd Rnd – Montclair – Won 15-6 Quarter Finals – Moorestown – Lost 6-5 | |
| 2001 | 20-3 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd – Dwight-Englewood – Won 13-2 2nd Rnd – Bridgewater-Raritan – Won 12-5 Quarter Finals – Ramapo – Won 6-3 Semi Finals – Delbarton – Won 4-2 Finals – Moorestown – Lost 8-3 | |
| 2002 | 18-2 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd – Bye 2nd Rnd – Moorestown – Won 7-4 Quarter Finals – Chatham – Won 10-7 Semi Finals – Ridgewood – Lost 10-6 | |
| 2003 | 17-3 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd – Bye Semi Finals – Johnson – Won 14-3 Finals – Westfield – Won 4-3 | 1st Rnd – Shawnee – Won 6-1 2nd Rnd – Westfield – Won 10-6 Quarter Finals – Ramapo – Lost 6-3 |
| 2004 | 17-3 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd – Bye Semi-finals – New Providence – Won 13-3 Finals – Westfield Won 13-2 | 1st Rnd – New Providence Won 11-2 2nd Rnd – Chatham Won 8-3 Group 1 Semi Finals – Madison Won 14-2 Group 1 Finals- Mt.  Lakes Lost 9-5 |
| 2005 | 20-4 | Jim Davidson | Champions | 1st Rnd. – Bye Semifinals – Gov. Livingston – Won 15-4 Finals – Westfield; Won 14-2 | Group 1 1st Rnd. – bye 2nd Rnd. – New Providence won 12-1 Quaterfinals – Pingry Won 8-3 Semifinals – Kinnelon Won 8-4 Finals – Mt. Lakes Won 8-6 TOC |
| 2006 | 17-4 | Jim Davidson | Champions | Finals vs. Westfield; Lost 10-9 | Group 1 1st Rnd vs Jefferson – Won 11-4 2nd Rnd vs Caldwell – won 13-6 Semifinals vs Madison – Won 10-6 Finals vs Mtn Lakes – Lost 10-9 |
| 2007 | 9-10 | Jim Davidson | Semifinals won 7-3 vs. Johnson Finals – Lost 7-6 vs. Westfield | 1st Rnd vs Bernards – Won 16-2 2nd Rnd vs Kinnelon – Lost 8-5 | |
| 2008 | 15-6 | Jim Davidson | Union County Champions Semifinals-Won 10-0 vs.  CranfordFinals-Won 7-6 vs Johnson | 1st Rnd vs. Manasquan – Won 14-2 Quarterfinals vs. Kinnelon -Won 6-3 Semifinals vs. Mountain Lakes – Lost 11-4 | |
| 2009 | 22-1 | Jim Davidson | Iron Hills Conference Champions;Fitch- Pitt Division Champions | Union County Champions: First Round Bye, Semi-Finals Won vs. Westfield 12-3; UCT Finals Won vs.? AL Johnson 9-3 | NJ State Champions: Group II – 1st round Won vs. Mt. Olive 9-1; 2nd Round – Won vs. Montville 18-5; Semi-Finals Won vs. Mendham 6-3; Finals vs. Moorestwon 9-8 at Ridge HS.? Winner -Tournament of Champions |
| 2010 | 23-0 | Jim Davidson | Union County Conference ChampionsFitch-Pitt Division Champions | Union County Champions: Semifinals: Won 12-0 vs. Cranford Finals: Won 7-2 vs.Westfield | NJ State Champions :Group 1 2nd Rnd: Won 14-1 vs Manasquan Quarterfinals: Wo 13-2 vs. Rumson- Fairhaven Semifinals: Won 9-2 vs. Mt Lakes Final: Won 10-4 vs. Madison TOC Champions 45 game winning streak – a NJÂ State Record. |
| 2011 | 23-1 | Jim Davidson | Fitch-Pitt Division ChampionsUnion County Conference Champions | Union County Tournament Champions Semifinals: Won 16-2 vs. Johnson Finals: Won 15-2 vs. Cranford | NJSIAAChampion – Group 2 2nd Rnd: Won 13-0 vs Jefferson Quarterfinals: Won 14-2 vs Montville Semifinals: Won 15-2 vs Somerville Finals: Won 7-6 (5 OTs) vs.  Chatham @Â RidgeNJSIAA Tournament of Champions Semifinals: Won 10-5 vs. Delbarton @ Kean Finals: Lost 6-5 vs. Bridgewater-Raritan @ Rutgers68 game winning streak – New State recordRanked #2 by The Star-Ledger Ranked #17 Nation wide by Inside Lacrosse Ranked #18 Nationwide by Laxpower.com Ranked #20 Nationwide by ESPNRise |
| 2012 | 22-2 | Jim Davidson | Fitch-Pitt Division ChampionsUnion County ChampionsNJSIAA Group 1 Champions | Union County Tournament Semifinals vs. Oratory Won 17-4Finals vs. Westfield Won 12-1 | NJSIAA Championship – Group 1 1st round: vs Pascack Hills Won 16-0 2nd Round: vs. Johnson Won 14-1 Quarterfinals: vs. Mahwah Won 15-6 Semifinals: vs. Rumson Won 13-8 Finals: vs Glen Ridge Won 9-8 @ Livingston NJSIAA Tournament of Champions Semifinals vs Delbarton Lost 5-1 Kean |
| 2013 | 18-3 | Jim Davidson | Union County Conference Champions | Union County Tournament ChampionsSemifinals: vs. CranfordWon 14-2 Finals: vs. Westfield | NJSIAA North, Group 2 First Round: vs Passaic Valley, Won 18-0 Quarterfinals: vs Ramapo Won, 18-3 Semifinals: vs Northern Highlands, Won 11-4 Finals: vs Chatham, Lost 4-3 |
| 2014 | 23-2 | Jim Davidson | Fitch/Pitt Tri Champion Ranked #2 Star Ledger Ranked #3 Lax Power, NJ Ranked #5 MSG Tri-State Ranked #17 US Lacrosse National Ranked #25 Lax Power National | Union County Tournament Champions Semifinals vs. New Providence Won 17-4Finals vs. Westfield Won 9-3 | NJSIAA Group 2 State Champions Sectional 1st Round vs. Jefferson Won17-1 Quarter Finals vs.Mahwah Won 13-2 Semifinals vs. Lakeland Won 13-3 Sectional Finals vs. Northern Highlands Won 6-2 Group 2 Finals vs.  Sommerville Won 4-2TOC Semi-Final vs Mountain Lakes Won 10-3 TOC Final vs Delbarton Lost 7-5 |
| 2015 | 19-5 | Jim Davidson | Union County Tournament Semifinals vs. New Providence Won 12-4Finals vs. Westfield Lost 4-3 (3 OT) | NJSIAA Group 2 State Champions Sectional 1st Round vs. Paramas Won 18-0 Quarter Finals vs. Pascak Valley Won 11-1 Semifinals vs. Ramapo Won 9-1 Sectional Finals vs.Chatham Won 8-2 Group 2 Finals vs. Cranford Won 8-7 TOC Qusrter-finals vs. Rumson Won 7-0 TOC Semi-Final vs Bergen Catholic Lost 8-5 |
Summit lacrosse prepares for an explosive 2023 season – Union News Daily
SUMMIT, NJ — It’s the time of the year when the Summit High School lacrosse teams begin to perfect its craft.
Arguably the top boys and girls public school lacrosse programs in the state, both varsity squads are, once again, coming off highly successful seasons on which they seek to still build.
Practice commenced last week for the 2023 lacrosse season in New Jersey and, in the same way as baseball and softball, the first scrimmages can be played Thursday, March 23, with opening day Monday, April 3.
Summit boys lacrosse scrimmages
Thursday, March 23: Ridge High School, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 25: at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School, 8 a.m.
Thursday, March 30: Mountain Lakes High School, 4:30 p.m.
Season-opener: Monday, April 3: at Glen Ridge High School, 4:30 p.m.
Summit girls lacrosse scrimmages
Saturday, March 25: Sacred Heart Greenwich, Conn., 11 a.m.
Tuesday, March 28: Bridgewater-Raritan, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 30: Immaculate Heart Academy, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1: at Moorestown High School, 10 a.m.
Season-opener: Monday, April 3: Ridgewood High School, 4 p.m.
Summit’s boys team is coming out of a 16-3 season, in which it finished tied for first in the New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse League’s Fitch-Pitch Division with Delbarton School and Seton Hall Preparatory School, all three teams 6-1.
The Hilltoppers defeated Westfield High School 13-2 to capture another Union County Tournament championship. In the final round of Group 2, Summit High School was defeated by Rumson-Fair Haven High School 9-5.
Senior John Murray led in goals with 47 and senior Dylan Sebastian was first in assists with 33 and points with 79. Sebastian scored 46 goals.
Jake Lowry, a returning senior who will continue to play football in college at the University of Chicago, had a solid season for veteran head coach Jim Davidson last year. Lowry scored 10 goals, assisted on 16 others for 26 points and also produced 12 ground balls.
The Summit girls had one of their best seasons ever last year, fashioning a final 23-2 record that included a Group 2 state championship and the final Tournament of Champions crown.
Summit’s only losses were to Sacred Heart, Conn., 12-11, and to Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child 9-6 in the UCT championship game.
The Hilltoppers closed their highly successful 2022 season with a nine-game winning streak, including victories against Manasquan High School 14-6 in the Group 2 state championship game and against Oak Knoll 10-4 in the TOC final.
Three non-seniors last year were the leading offensive standouts for Summit, which captured the New Jersey Interscholastic Girls Lacrosse League’s Stars & Stripes South Division title with a perfect 6-0 mark.
Now a senior, Lily Spinner led in points with 96, while Jane Freeman, also a senior now, led in goals with 57. As a sophomore last year, junior Anya Wardle was first in assists with 56.
In the TOC championship contest against Oak Knoll, Summit defeated its in-town rival 10-8 in the regular season, Spinner had three goals and Wardle three assists and five points, including two goals.
After leading only 4-3 at the break, Summit broke open the game in the second half, outscoring Oak Knoll 6-1 the rest of the way.
Sophie Lambrianakos led Oak Knoll with two of its four goals. Devon Gogerty had one assist for the Royals, who finished 21-5.
For both boys and girls, the cutoff date to qualify for the state playoffs is Saturday, May 20. The public school state playoffs are scheduled to commence Thursday, May 25.
Foreign media about the main goals and themes of the NATO summit
The NATO summit in Vilnius starting this week has already attracted the attention of the world press. His main problem, according to experts, is the obvious split of the allies on the issue of Ukraine’s entry into the alliance and the difficulty in finding a compromise.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (left) and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda
Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky, Kommersant
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (left) and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda
Photo: Alexey Vitvitsky, Kommersant
The issue that threatens to divide the alliance is Ukraine’s ambitions to join it. One camp, including Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine itself, wants the country to be put on a fast track to NATO membership. The other, led by the US and backed by Germany, wants to slow down the process and put forward other forms of security guarantees for Ukraine.
Skilful diplomats will probably find the wording that will hide these contradictions under paper.
NATO’s final communiqué is likely to confirm that Ukraine will become a member of the alliance in the future, but it will not contain any promises for an accelerated process. This, however, will not close the question. Behind all this, there are fundamental disagreements on how to end Ukrainian (conflict. – “Kommersant” ) and how to guarantee peace … It is easy to sympathize with the point of view (Estonian Prime Minister Kai Kallas. – “Kommersant” ) that ambiguity is dangerous and that “gray zones are sources of conflicts and wars.” Ukraine will, of course, be safer in NATO, and experience suggests that Russia will not attack a country that is protected by Article 5 (of the NATO Charter. – “b” ). But in reality, the American point of view will prevail. The United States accounts for approximately 70% of all defense spending of all NATO countries. Therefore, NATO policy will ultimately be decided in Washington, not in Brussels or Vilnius.
The leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will be holding their annual summit in Vilnius… this week, and, nice to say, a resurrected alliance will be on display. The key moments of this (revival. – “Kommersant” ) was the decision of the United States and other allies to supply the military efforts of Ukraine (and. – “Kommersant” ) … Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s “pivot” speech, in which he expressed the opinion that Germany, and therefore other partners, needed an internal political transformation in order to restore common security within NATO …
The first task in Vilnius will be to continue to support Ukraine in the face of a complex counter-offensive and whatever it was that would follow. Western leaders seem reluctant to say they want an unconditional victory for Ukraine, which is a mistake as it sends mixed signals to the Kremlin about Western resolve. But barring a decisive victory, the Allies have an interest in helping Ukraine negotiate peace from a position of strength.
And this means deliveries (Ukraine. – “b” ) more advanced weapons.
NATO needs to complete its expansion… Finland is already a member, but (Turkish president. – “Kommersant” ) is blocking Sweden’s entry without any reasonable (or even obvious) reason. This week’s summit is an opportunity for other leaders to remind Mr Erdogan that membership in the bloc is beneficial for Turkey, and that comes with the obligation to play as a team.
Ukraine will not be admitted to NATO when President Biden and the leaders of the western alliance gather in Lithuania… Sweden, most likely, too, since its entry is still blocked by the only member – Turkey. Negotiations have been underway for months now, which should have been completed by the time 31 NATO countries, including the newest one, Finland, meet for a summit in Vilnius, a city with a long history of Russian and Soviet domination. The fact that none of this has yet been decided, even as feverish negotiations continue within the alliance, underlines how NATO unity, which Mr.
Biden celebrates at every turn, is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain as the war continues…
The question of what exactly to promise Ukraine will be the most painful at the summit. The final communiqué is expected to say that “Ukraine’s rightful place is in the NATO alliance,” NATO officials said, but there is debate about adding the words “when conditions permit” and whether some of these conditions should be detailed. But beyond the wording, how Ukraine gets there and through what process remains debatable.
Rarely have NATO summits been so momentous. And rarely have their outcomes been so uncertain. When the heads of state and government of 31 NATO member states meet in Vilnius… this Tuesday, almost nothing will be clear. As of Monday, there is not even a certainty that… President Zelensky will accept the invitation… In the worst case scenario, there is a risk of failure (of the summit. – “b” ). This will be a huge shame in the midst of a key phase (the conflict in Ukraine.
– “Kommersant” ).
Most NATO member countries want to see Ukraine in NATO. Joe Biden and Olaf Scholz don’t want that. If NATO members begin to resolve this dispute directly, then the summit will be derailed … Therefore, some compromises will be invented that can be interpreted in different ways, and the result of this will be that Ukraine will be allowed to join NATO when there is no longer an urgent need for this. This will not please Ukraine.
NATO will host a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania from 11 to 12 July. The main agenda of the summit includes three aspects: the issue of Ukraine, Sweden’s accession to NATO and participation in the affairs of the Asia-Pacific region to address the problems associated with the rise of China. Judging by the reports, NATO member countries have varying degrees of disagreement on these three issues. However, these three questions highlight NATO’s aggressiveness, not its downsizing and retreat. Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, NATO member countries have strengthened their cohesion under the banner of the ideology of Western civilization.
