NATO is stepping up support for Ukraine, while further strengthening deterrence and defense and increasing stockpiles, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday following a meeting of NATO Defense Ministers.
Ministers addressed ways to boost industrial capacity and replenish stockpiles of armaments and munitions, which are in greater demand than ever, given Allies’ unprecedented support to Ukraine, it was said in a press release from the NATO headquarters.
Measures include the need to ramp up industrial capacity and work closely with industry, as well as reviewing NATO capability targets for munition stockpiles. Allies agree on the need to work hand-in-hand with the defence industry to ramp up industrial capacity, and are already reviewing NATO capability targets for munition stockpiles.
Building on the measures to protect critical undersea infrastructure, Mr Stoltenberg announced the establishment of a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell at NATO Headquarters.
“It will facilitate engagement with industry and bring key military and civilian stakeholders together” he said. Ministers also discussed the importance of investing more in defence and how to build on the defence investment pledge, and the future commitments beyond 2024.
On Tuesday, Allies met with Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov to discuss the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most urgent military needs.
Highlighting Ukraine’s window of opportunity to tip the balance of the war, Mr Stoltenberg welcomed the pledges of support made by NATO Allies to Ukraine, including more heavy weapons and military training.
He also thanked Allies for their significant contributions to NATO’s Capability Assistance Package, which is providing Ukraine with food, fuel, medical supplies counter-drone equipment and amphibious bridges. Ministers also agreed to step up support to other partners at risk, Bosnia and Herzogovina, Georgia and Moldova.
