NATO foreign ministers in Bucharest discuss support to Ukraine

  • 2022-11-29
  • LETA/BBC/TBT Staff

BUCHAREST - Foreign ministers of NATO member states gathered for a two-day meeting in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Tuesday to discuss forms and size of the support to be provided to Ukraine. 

Before the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated that NATO is prepared to defend every inch of its territory.

The NATO chief underlined that the alliance does not participate in this conflict but that its member states are providing unprecedented support to Ukraine so it can defend itself against Russia. 

Russia is increasing "waves of brutality", Stoltenberg said, noting also the financial cost on European and other countries.

"Indeed we are all paying a price for Russia's war in Ukraine, but the price we pay is in money whereas for Ukraine it is paid in blood," Stoltenberg said.

NATO must not allow Russia to win, because it would mean President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders would become more confident to use violence to achieve their aims, adding that "there can be no lasting peace if the oppressor wins".

"We know that most war ends at the negotiating table, but what happens at the negotiating table is inextricably linked to what happens on the battlefield," the NATO chief said. 

At this meeting, the NATO foreign ministers are expected to express support for Ukraine and announce fresh support to help Ukraine overcome the energy crisis caused by Russia's  incessant missile strikes. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also expected to announce significant financial assistance to Ukraine in the course of the meeting. 

The ministers will likely discuss increasing military assistance to Ukraine, including air defense, ammunition, fuel, medicines and winter gear.