NATO Alliance Members Commit to Extra Military Assistance for Ukraine Council
At a session of the NATO-Ukraine Council, extra backing for Ukraine's defense against Russia was affirmed. "In response to Russia's latest assault, Allies have declared today that they will bolster their military assistance to Ukraine," stated NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg afterwards, following the deliberations. It's vital to proceed in supplying Ukraine with the weapons and ammo it requires to fend off the Russian incursion, thereby enabling the country to maintain its stance in combat. The gathering, which took place at the ambassadorial rank, was summoned by Stoltenberg at Ukraine's behest. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov addressed the Allies via a video call, detailing his troops' most pressing military requirements.
Defense Minister Gratifies Allies
As per diplomatic sources, the meeting also touched upon Russia's recent aerial attacks, the battlefield circumstances in Donbass, and Ukraine's strategic objectives in Russia's Kursk area. Umerov reportedly thanked the allies for the recent aid promises and the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. No fresh specific aid commitments were initially unveiled. Certain attendees reportedly advocated for the removal of all constraints on the deployment of Western weapons against Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine's right to self-defense extends to attacks within Russia's borders.
The NATO-Ukraine Council conducted its inaugural meeting at the level of heads of state and government last year, during the NATO summit in Lithuania. The newly formed body serves for crisis consultations and to encourage closer collaboration until Ukraine fulfills the criteria for NATO membership, such as ending the Russian invasion and implementing reforms within Ukraine.
In alignment with Umerov's gratitude, the Allied nations have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, further strengthening their support. As the diplomatic discussions ensued, several Allies advocated for the elimination of restrictions on the deployment of Western weapons beyond Ukraine's borders, asserting Ukraine's right to self-defense beyond its borders.
