NATO, EU chiefs discuss military cooperation, support for Ukraine

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed on Monday NATO-EU cooperation as well as their support to Ukraine.

The leaders met in Brussels ahead of a NATO summit scheduled for June 29-30 in Madrid.

“NATO and EU stand together with the Ukrainians, as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s brutal war,” Stoltenberg said on Twitter following their meeting.

"We will continue supporting our close partner #Ukraine for the long haul," he added.

In reply to the tweet, von der Leyen stressed the importance of EU-NATO cooperation “to strengthen Europe’s defense, from increased interoperability to military mobility."

"We stand united in our support to the Ukraine," she said.

According to the 30-member military alliance, the Madrid meeting "will set NATO’s strategic direction for the next decade and beyond, ensuring that the Alliance will continue to adapt to a changing world and keep its one billion people safe."