NATO chief expects allies agree on plans to lead Ukraine assistance coordination

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - NATO's top official said Wednesday that he expects the defense chiefs of member countries to approve a plan for the alliance to lead the coordination of security assistance and training to Ukraine.

Speaking at a news conference in Brussels ahead of the two-day meeting of allied defense ministers, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted that the plan would be a key issue for Ukraine at the upcoming Washington summit, along with a long-term commitment to provide financial assistance.

Noting that allies have provided €40 billion ($43.3 billion) in military support to Ukraine each year since the beginning of Russia's war on the country in 2022, Stoltenberg said they must maintain this level "as a minimum and for as long as it takes."

"We come together at a critical time for Ukraine and our own security," he underlined, mentioning that the alliance also continues to focus on its own deterrence and defense capabilities.

He went on to say that at the defense ministers meeting, which starts on Thursday, they would make progress on a new Defense Industrial Pledge for leaders to approve at the three-day Washington Summit slated to kick off on July 9.

"This will enable us to scale up military production and send a signal of long-term demand to industry," Stoltenberg added.

He said the defense chiefs would also take decisions to ensure that the alliance has the capabilities to meet the requirements of its own new defense plans.

"Ministers will also discuss Russia's intensifying campaign of hostile acts across NATO countries, the hallmarks of which are sabotage, acts of violence, cyber-attacks and disinformation," Stoltenberg said.

"Russia's actions will not stop us from supporting Ukraine."