Increased military aid “is critical to Ukraine’s ability to stay in the fight” against the full-scale Russian invasion, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.
“Ukraine continues to intercept Russian missiles on a daily basis, saving countless lives. But Ukraine’s ability to maintain its defenses requires a greater supply and more support,” he said in a statement.
Following the recent heavy Russian airstrikes, Stoltenberg, at the request of Ukraine, convened a meeting of NATO ambassadors in Brussels to discuss the country’s air defense needs.
Via video link, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov briefed the ambassadors and Stoltenberg about the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s priorities in the field of military equipment.
“The Allies today reaffirmed their commitment to increasing military assistance to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said in his statement after the meeting. He stressed the importance of increasing supplies but did not provide details.
“We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and ammunition it needs to defend itself against the Russian invasion,” he added.
NATO met with the Ukrainian defense minister through the NATO-Ukraine Council, a joint body established in July 2023 in which both sides can consult each other.
The aim is to deepen the war-torn country’s relationship with the alliance. The joint body is also a forum for consultation in crisis situations.
