NATO Agree Plan to Coordinate Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine

Following two days of meetings in Brussels, NATO Defence Ministers have agreed a plan for NATO to lead the coordination of security assistance and training. This was announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference in Brussels.

The plan stipulates that in the future, the Alliance will take over the international coordination of arms supplies and training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"This will allow NATO leaders to start this work at the Washington Summit in July, putting our support for Ukraine on a stronger footing for years to come," said Jens Stoltenberg.

NATO's Command, based in Germany, will coordinate the training and equipment transfer, which will involve nearly 700 troops from Allied and partner countries. NATO will also facilitate the logistics of the equipment and support the long-term development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Allied Ministers also agreed on options for responding to Russia's hostile actions against Allies. These include enhanced intelligence sharing, improved protection of critical infrastructure, including underwater and in cyberspace, and further restrictions on Russian intelligence. "Russia's campaign will not stop us from supporting Ukraine, and we will continue to defend our territories and people from any hostile actions," said Mr. Stoltenberg.

Allied Ministers also discussed NATO's new Defence Plans, which military planners translate into specific requirements for the capabilities needed to protect Allies.

"Allies are contributing forces to NATO Command on a scale not seen in decades. Today, we have 500,000 troops on high alert in all areas" - NATO Secretary General