NATO Strengthens Ukraine's Air Defence and Condemns Russian Air Attacks with Weapons from North Korea and Iran
An extraordinary meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Security Council took place yesterday, on Wednesday, in response to recent waves of powerful airstrikes by Russia on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Allies strongly condemned the escalation of Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, as well as Russia's use of ballistic missiles from North Korea and drones from Iran, as reported on the Alliance's website.
"NATO strongly condemns Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, including those with weapons from North Korea and Iran. For the second consecutive year, Putin attempts to exhaust Ukraine with massive strikes, but he fails. The Russian campaign of cruelty only strengthens Ukraine's determination. While Moscow intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians, NATO allies are bolstering Ukraine's air defence. We will continue to support brave Ukrainians as they resist Russia's aggressive war," said Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Participants in the meeting made it clear that they would continue providing significant military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Many Alliance members outlined plans to provide billions of euros in additional aid to Ukraine in 2024.
Alliance members also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Ukraine's defence and announced that they have already delivered a wide range of air defence systems to Ukraine.
In particular, NATO countries are purchasing up to 1000 Patriot air defence missiles to replenish their stocks as they continue to strengthen Ukraine's air defence. Germany recently supplied Patriot and Skynex air defence systems and additional missiles for the IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine. In turn, the United Kingdom is sending about 200 Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine.
The extraordinary meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Security Council on Wednesday was held at the ambassadorial level and was convened at Ukraine's request. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg chaired the Council.
Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oleksiy Serhiyev briefed NATO ambassadors and invited Sweden via video conference.
It is worth noting that the Ukraine-NATO Security Council was established at the NATO summit in July 2023 and serves as a forum for joint consultations, decision-making, and cooperation between NATO and Ukraine.