NATO and Ukraine Discuss Defense Needs Amid Russian Air Strikes
On August 29, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia’s increased air strikes on Ukraine and emphasized the need to provide Ukraine with the necessary equipment and munitions to defend itself. Stoltenberg shared on X, “The NATO-Ukraine Council met to address developments on the battlefield and Ukraine’s priority capability needs. Allies strongly condemn the escalation in Russian air strikes on Ukraine. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself.”
The NATO-Ukraine Council met following recent heavy Russian airstrikes against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Allies strongly condemned Russia’s indiscriminate strikes and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Ukraine’s defenses. Stoltenberg, who chaired the meeting, highlighted Ukraine’s continuous interception of Russian missiles and stressed that increasing the flow of weapons and ammunition to the country is essential.
Stoltenberg said, “Ukraine continues to intercept Russian missiles on a daily basis, saving countless lives. But Ukraine’s ability to maintain their defenses requires increased supply and more support. In the wake of the latest Russian assault, allies today reaffirmed they are stepping up their military aid to Ukraine. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. This is vital for Ukraine’s ability to stay in the fight.”
The meeting was held at the ambassadorial level and was convened at Ukraine’s request. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov briefed allies via video-link on the current security situation and priority capability needs.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s top priorities in the ongoing war with Russia are boosting its air defense capabilities and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Zelenskyy shared on his X handle, “Today, the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting was held. Our Minister of Defense briefed our partners on Ukraine’s most urgent needs–particularly air defense and the protection of critical infrastructure. The liquidation of the aftermath of the Russian ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih continues all day.”
Over two-and-a-half years of war, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, attempting to plunge its citizens into darkness and use freezing winter temperatures as a weapon of war.
Doubts Revealed
NATO -: NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is a group of countries from Europe and North America that have agreed to help each other if they are attacked.
Ukraine -: Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has been in conflict with Russia, which is another country, for several years.
Russian Air Strikes -: Air strikes are attacks by military aircraft. Russian air strikes mean that Russia is using its planes to attack targets in Ukraine.
Secretary-General -: A Secretary-General is the head or leader of an organization. Jens Stoltenberg is the current Secretary-General of NATO.
Defense Equipment -: Defense equipment includes tools and machines like missiles, tanks, and radar systems that help a country protect itself from attacks.
NATO-Ukraine Council -: The NATO-Ukraine Council is a group where NATO and Ukraine discuss and work together on security and defense issues.
Allies -: Allies are countries that support each other, especially in times of war or conflict. In this case, NATO countries are allies of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy -: Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the President of Ukraine. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions.
Air Defense -: Air defense refers to systems and strategies used to protect a country from attacks by aircraft or missiles.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure includes basic facilities like roads, bridges, and power supplies that are necessary for a country to function properly.
Rustem Umerov -: Rustem Umerov is the Defence Minister of Ukraine. He is responsible for the country’s defense and military matters.
