NATO intensifies support as Ukraine faces harsh winter
Ukraine is facing relentless bombardment of civilian areas and critical infrastructure, with Russia making gains on the front line; however, it is incurring significant costs, assessed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He also warned that the forthcoming winter could be the most challenging for Ukraine since the conflict began.
4 December 2024 16:16
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 broadening the scope of the war with the assistance of North Korean soldiers and weapons. Allies are working on fulfilling the financial commitment of £35 billion for security assistance to Ukraine in 2024 - stated Rutte.
Rutte added that in exchange for troops and weapons, Russia supports North Korea in its missile and nuclear programmes, which could destabilise the Korean Peninsula and threaten the United States.
- Russia's unlawful war against Ukraine therefore threatens us all - he warned.
Thus, in his view, NATO countries must do more than merely 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 destabilise 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 us that these initiatives include a 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.
