Nato is determined to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia for “as long as it takes” and will help the war-wracked country transform its armed forces into a modern army up to western standards, the alliance’s secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg vowed.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Romania next week, Mr Stoltenberg urged countries that want to – either individually or in groups – to keep providing air defence systems and other weapons to Ukraine.
Nato as an organisation does not supply weapons.
“Nato will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will not back down,” the former Norwegian prime minister said.
“Allies are providing unprecedented military support and I expect foreign ministers will also agree to step up non-lethal support.”
Mr Stoltenberg said members of the 30-nation security organisation have been delivering fuel, generators, medical supplies, winter equipment and drone-jamming devices – but more will be needed as winter closes in, particularly as Russia attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“At our meeting in Bucharest, I will call for more,” he said.
“Over the longer term, we will help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era equipment to modern Nato standards, doctrine and training.”
Mr Stoltenberg said Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba will join the ministers to discuss his country’s most pressing needs but also what kind of long-term support Nato can provide.
Nato’s top civilian official said the support will help Ukraine move toward joining the alliance one day.
The November 29-30 meeting in Bucharest is being held almost 15 years after Nato promised Ukraine and Georgia would one day become members of the organisation – a pledge that deeply angered Russia.
Also attending the meeting will be the foreign ministers of Bosnia, Georgia and Moldova – three partners Nato says are coming under increasing Russian pressure.
Mr Stoltenberg said the meeting will see Nato “take further steps to help them protect their independence and strengthen their ability to defend themselves”.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion 10 months ago, Nato has bolstered the defences of allies neighbouring Ukraine and Russia but has carefully sought to avoid being dragged into a wider war with a major nuclear power.
But Mr Stoltenberg put no pressure on Ukraine to enter peace talks with Russia, and indeed Nato and European diplomats have said Mr Putin does not appear willing to come to the table.
“Most wars end with negotiations,” he said.
“But what happens at the negotiating table depends on what happens on the battlefield. Therefore, the best way to increase the chances for a peaceful solution is to support Ukraine.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel