NATO chief urges ‘more support for Ukraine’ amid Russian advances on frontline

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday called on member states to provide “more support for Ukraine” in its war with Russia.

“We must do more support for Ukraine because that is where we are being tested. Every day we see another attack, another atrocity. Russia is destroying Ukraine's infrastructure, including major power plants,” Stoltenberg said at a speech in Berlin.

“And then we have to be honest, the reality is that in the recent months, NATO allies have not provided the support we are promised.

For months, the US was not able to agree a new package for Ukraine and in Europe, the delivery of ammunition is far below the levels we said we would provide. These delays have consequences,” he added.

Stoltenberg pointed out that Ukraine has in fact been struggling in recent weeks to fend off Russian frontline attacks.

“Ukraine has been outgunned, allowing Russia to push forward on the frontline. Ukraine has lacked air defense, enabling more Russian missile missiles and drones to hit the targets. And Ukraine has been short of deep precision strike capabilities, meaning Russia could concentrate more forces. But it is not too late for Ukraine to prevail because war support is on the way.”

Stoltenberg urged also NATO allies to deliver on their pledge to send arms to Ukraine “and to do so quickly.”

“We also have to put our support on a more robust and long term footing. 99% of military aid for Ukraine comes from NATO allies,” he added.​​​​​​​