NATO’s defense ministers have discussed assisting Ukraine and strengthening the alliance’s own defense. It was the first meeting of defense ministers after Finland’s accession.
BRUSSELS NATO’s defense ministers have concluded their two-day meeting in Brussels. The meeting is the last ministerial meeting before the NATO summit in July.
The meeting discussed, among other things, increasing arms aid to Ukraine. Several member states made pledges to supply defense equipment. The ministers also committed to increasing ammunition production and compatibility.
In connection with the meeting, the planning group related to NATO’s nuclear weapons also met. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg condemns Russia’s nuclear weapons rhetoric.
– We are monitoring the situation closely and we will also be on our guard in the future, Stoltenberg said at the press conference held after the meeting.
Ukraine’s air defense is being strengthened
During the meeting, Ukrainians’ wishes for modern fighter jets were also discussed. Denmark and the Netherlands lead a fighter coalition aimed at getting Ukraine to use modern Western fighter jets.
According to Stoltenberg, several allies announced their willingness to participate in the fighter coalition.
The ministers also discussed Ukraine’s wish for quick NATO membership.
The alliance is currently preparing a decision on the establishment of a separate council where NATO member states and Ukraine can discuss issues related to Ukraine’s future and security.
However, several member countries are reluctant to give Ukraine a precise timetable for when NATO membership could be realized.
Regional plans are being prepared
It was the first meeting of defense ministers after Finland’s accession. Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen (central) represented the Finnish Ministry of Supply at the meeting.
Kaikkonen said yesterday that Finland is also preparing the seventeenth arms aid package for Ukraine.
The reform of NATO’s regional defense plans and command structures is also underway. The goal is to put 300,000 soldiers on high alert to defend the member countries.
In the near future, Finland is to announce how many troops it is ready to place under NATO.
The article is being updated.