Mark Rutte. Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images
NATO allies have pledged to provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems to protect its critical and energy infrastructure this winter. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels before the start of the North Atlantic Council meeting at the level of foreign ministers, Ukrinform reports.
“Last night, we had a constructive dinner with (EU High Representative) Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. We discussed what can be done to ensure that Ukraine gets the air defence systems it needs to protect its infrastructure and a position of strength for future negotiations on its role in the region,” Rutte said.
Infrastructure protection as a top priority
The Secretary General stressed that NATO Allies will do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine is able to withstand “the horrific and unprovoked Russian aggression”. For more than 1,000 days since the start of the war, the Alliance has been systematically providing air defence systems to Ukraine, but this year the issue has become even more urgent.
“Russia is once again trying to turn winter into a weapon in its war against Ukraine. Allies therefore recognise the particular importance of protecting the country’s energy infrastructure,” Rutte said.
Despite the global shortage of air defence systems, the allies agreed to make assistance to Ukraine a key priority. Rutte expressed confidence that decisions will be made in the coming weeks to supply new defence systems.
Alliance helps build the future
In addition to military assistance, the meeting participants discussed strategies to ensure Ukraine’s resilience and position of strength to start peace talks.
Rutte stressed the unity of the Allies in supporting Ukraine from the first days of Russia’s invasion. According to him, the Alliance will not rest on its laurels and will continue to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, especially in the run-up to the winter period, when Russian aggression may intensify.
This NATO pledge is further proof that the international community remains committed to supporting Ukraine on its path to victory and peace.
