NATO Allies Rally to Support Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a pivotal remote meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council today, Ukrainian leaders conveyed the dire situation on the battlefield and their nation's critical requirements to NATO defense ministers.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg briefed the press at the organization's headquarters in Brussels following the council meeting, affirming NATO's commitment to expediting additional air defenses and artillery to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the ministers, shedding light on the relentless Russian invasion of Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participated virtually in the meeting.
"NATO defense ministers have agreed to step up and provide further military support, including more air defense," Stoltenberg stated. "NATO has mapped out existing capabilities across the alliance, and there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine. I expect new announcements on air defense capabilities for Ukraine soon."
Last week, Germany pledged to deliver an additional Patriot system to Ukraine. "In addition to Patriots, there are other weapons that allies can provide," the secretary general highlighted.
Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO allies without such systems committed to offering financial assistance to procure them for Ukraine. "We are also collaborating with industry to bolster production and refurbish systems to ensure their operational readiness," he added.
Denmark has recently pledged renewed support to aid Ukraine, while the Netherlands has announced an additional 4 billion euros in military assistance.
Addressing other pressing needs, such as 155 mm ammunition, deep-precision strike capabilities, and drones, Stoltenberg stated, "Each NATO ally will decide what to provide." He noted that several allies have made concrete commitments, with announcements forthcoming.
Stoltenberg welcomed the impending vote in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding American aid to Ukraine, scheduled for Saturday. "I count on the bill to pass without further delay," he expressed. "Allies must tap into their inventories and expedite the delivery of missiles, artillery, and ammunition. Ukraine's utilization of the provided weapons to degrade Russian combat capabilities enhances the security of all NATO members."
He emphasized that support for Ukraine is not merely an act of charity but "an investment in our own security."
Source: NATO Multimedia
