Member states of NATO reaffirmed on Wednesday Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to bolster its air defense in response to Russian attacks. The reaffirmation came during the latest ambassador-level gathering of the NATO-Ukraine Council, a collaborative forum where representatives from both sides share perspectives and shape joint steps. Allies noted that a broad array of air defense systems has already been delivered to Ukraine, and they reiterated their readiness to sustain support in this critical area. The alliance also highlighted that NATO through its member states has purchased up to 1,000 Patriot missiles to replenish Ukraine’s reserves while continuing to fortify its air defense capabilities.
Germany has recently supplied Patriot and Skynex air defense systems along with additional IRIS-T missiles to Ukraine. The United Kingdom is contributing about 200 air defense missiles as part of the broader package. NATO stressed that allied nations will keep delivering substantial military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and that many allies have outlined plans to provide billions of euros in additional capabilities for 2024.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underscored the alliance’s strong condemnation of Russia’s missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian civilians, as well as the weapons directed at Ukraine from North Korea and Iran. He noted that President Vladimir Putin has tried to wear Ukraine down with major attacks for a second year running but has not succeeded. The secretary general said Moscow’s campaign of pressure has only intensified Ukraine’s resolve, and that as Russia escalates its assaults on Ukrainian cities and civilians, NATO allies are strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. He affirmed the commitment to continuing support for the brave Ukrainians resisting Russia’s aggression. The NATO-Ukraine Council meeting took place in Brussels, prompted by the recent surge of intense Russian air strikes against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.
Stoltenberg also pointed to a strong rebuke of the expansion of Russian air strikes against Ukraine, along with Russia’s use of ballistic missiles launched from North Korea and drones sourced from Iran. The event on Wednesday was convened at Kiev’s request and chaired by Stoltenberg. NATO allies and Sweden received a briefing via video conference from Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mikola Oleschuk and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oleksii Serhieiev, outlining Ukraine’s current defense posture and needs amid ongoing hostilities. The discussions emphasized a unified approach and practical steps to reinforce Ukraine’s air defense network in the face of ongoing threats, while maintaining a broader strategy of allied deterrence and resilience across the region.