RT.com
29 Nov 2022, 13:43 GMT+10
The head of the US-led military bloc claimed supporting Ukraine is in the interest of all member states
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said the alliance is set to expand its presence across Eastern Europe, from the Black Sea to the Baltics, hoping to send a "clear message" to Russia as fighting rages on in Ukraine.
Speaking in Romania on Monday ahead of a two-day NATO summit, Stoltenberg told reporters that Europe is facing the "greatest security crisis in a generation," stressing the need to bolster areas of "strategic importance" in retaliation for Moscow's ongoing offensive.
"In response to Russia's aggression, NATO is reinforcing its presence from the Baltic to the Black Sea. We have set up new battlegroups, including the one led by France here in Romania," he said. "Fighter jets from Canada also help to keep your skies safe and US Patriot missiles boost your defenses. This sends a clear message that NATO is here. We will do what is necessary to protect and defend all allies."
Asked about when NATO hopefuls Sweden and Finland might be admitted into the alliance, Stoltenberg said he is "confident" the bloc's 30 members will eventually approve their applications, but could not say when that would happen, as Turkey and Hungary have yet to ratify the decision. However, he noted the two Nordic states would help to "reinforce the Eastern flank, especially the Baltics," given their "well-trained and well-equipped high-end military capabilities."
A NATO foreign ministers' meeting will kick off in Bucharest on Tuesday, where Stoltenberg said members will "address ways to step up our support for Ukraine." He hailed Romania's "significant military assistance" to Kiev, claiming it is "in our own security interest" to back Ukrainian forces, while insisting: "We cannot let [Russian President Vladimir] Putin win."
Officials will also discuss the provision of new air defense systems to Ukraine, training soldiers on how to use them, as well as resupplying spare parts and ammunition for weapons already on the battlefield, the NATO chief added.
Kiev has received a long list of heavy weaponry from Western allies, with the United States alone approving more than $19 billion in direct military aid since late February, including dozens of long-range High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), more than 46,000 anti-armor platforms, and nearly 200 artillery pieces. Washington and its partners have vowed to continue such assistance, despite reports that a majority of NATO states have severely depleted their weapons and ammunition stocks after countless arms transfers to Ukraine.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Cardiff Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cardiff Star.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: At least 13 people are believed to have taken their own lives as a result of the U.K.'s Post Office scandal, in which...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
London [UK], July 14 (ANI): The third Test of the five-match series at Lord's between England and India is evenly poised after the...
London [UK], July 14 (ANI): Actor Preity Zinta and her husband Gene Goodenough enjoyed the Wimbledon final in London on Sunday. Taking...
Aix-les-Bains [France], July 14 (ANI): Aditi Ashok had a weak final round as she shot 73 in the final round at the Amundi Evian Championship....
According to the China Household Electrical Appliances Association, exports of air conditioners to the EU and Britain totaled 1.39...
LONDON, U.K.: American consumers and businesses could soon face the highest overall tariff burden in more than a century, according...
The family of Sayfollah Saif Musallet, a 20-year-old American citizen who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the occupied West...
CONCORD, New Hampshire: A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a crucial ruling on July 10 against President Donald Trump's executive...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: A cargo ship flagged under Liberia, known as the Eternity C, sank in the Red Sea following an attack executed by Yemen's...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has started sending some weapons to Ukraine again, just a week after the Pentagon told officials...
ECAULT BEACH, France: On clear days, the white cliffs of the United Kingdom, are visible from northern France, where men, women, and...