NATO vows increased support for Ukraine amid winter threats
Ukraine is facing constant bombardment of civilian areas and critical infrastructure, and Russia is making gains on the front line, although it is paying a high price, assessed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He also warned that the upcoming winter could be the most difficult for Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
4 December 2024 11:23
On Tuesday in Brussels, a working dinner was held as part of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting with the participation of NATO foreign ministers and the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybihy. We discussed what allies can still do to provide Kyiv with critically important ammunition and air defence systems in a situation where Russia is intensifying its attacks and expanding the scope of the war with the help of North Korean soldiers and weapons. Allies are working on fulfilling the financial commitment of 43 billion dollars for security assistance to Ukraine in 2024, stated Rutte.
Rutte added that in return for troops and weapons, Russia supports North Korea in its missile and nuclear programs, which could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and threaten the United States.
Russia's unlawful war against Ukraine therefore threatens us all, he warned.
Therefore, in his opinion, NATO countries must do more than just maintain Ukraine's readiness to fight. We must provide it with sufficient support to change the course of this conflict once and for all, said the head of the Alliance.
Russia and China destabilize the West
During Wednesday's meeting, NATO country ministers discussed Russia's aggressive stance and its escalation of hostile actions against Alliance countries.
The head of NATO emphasized a sharp rise in these attacks and stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable. He pointed out that Russia and China have sought to undermine nations and sow division through sabotage, cyberattacks, and energy coercion. In response, ministers have approved a series of proactive steps to address Russia's aggressive actions, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
Rutte informed that these initiatives include greater frequency of intelligence sharing and military exercises, better protection of critical infrastructure, more effective cyber defence, and decisive actions against the Russian fleet exporting oil.
We will closely cooperate with the EU on these issues, he assured.
