NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Kyiv on an unannounced trip on Thursday and provided an update on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Stoltenberg commended the Ukrainian forces, stating that they were “gradually gaining ground” in their counteroffensive against Russian forces.
During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of every meter regained by Ukrainian forces, as it meant a loss for Russia. He also highlighted the contrasting motivations behind the conflict, stating that Ukrainians were fighting for their families, future, and freedom, while Moscow was fighting for imperial delusions.
Zelenskiy echoed Stoltenberg’s sentiments but also stressed the urgent need for additional air defense against Russian attacks. He specifically mentioned the use of more than 40 Shahed drones by Russia in strikes on Ukraine the previous night alone. Zelenskiy emphasized that such attacks occurred almost every night and called for increased pressure on Russia and an increase in Ukraine’s air shield.
Stoltenberg stated that he was consistently urging NATO allies to provide more support to Ukraine and expedite the delivery of air defense systems. He further announced that NATO had established over-arching framework contracts worth 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) with arms companies for ammunition, including 1 billion euros in firm orders. These contracts would allow NATO members to replenish their depleted stockpiles and continue to provide Ukraine with ammunition, which is crucial in the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Stoltenberg condemned Russian strikes near Ukraine’s border with NATO member Romania. While he acknowledged that there was no evidence of a deliberate attack on Romania, he labeled the strikes as “reckless” and “destabilizing.”
The visit by Stoltenberg underscores NATO’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. As the conflict continues, it is clear that both NATO and Ukraine are determined to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
The news article was reported by Yuliia Dyss and Andrew Gray, written by Andrew Gray, and edited by Bart Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Alex Richardson, and Alison Williams. The article adheres to the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.