International Bridge to Nato: Stoltenberg calls for more aid to Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expects the heads of state and government of the alliance members to make extensive new commitments to help Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia.

"Ukraine must win, and it needs our continued support," he said at a press conference for the Alliance's summit meeting in Washington, which begins on Tuesday.

Specifically, he said, it was about the planned new NATO command to coordinate arms deliveries and training for the Ukrainian armed forces, for example, as well as more funding, more military support and new security agreements.

Stoltenberg added that he agreed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that all of these elements could form a bridge to the NATO membership Ukraine is hoping for. "Ukraine is moving closer to Nato," he said.

The Norwegian emphasized that, in his view, the new commitments would not turn NATO into a party to the conflict. Specifically, he referred to the planned new NATO headquarters in Wiesbaden, from where around 700 military personnel will coordinate military support for NATO in the future.

With regard to financial aid, Stoltenberg confirmed that Ukraine will be publicly assured at the summit that it will receive further military aid worth at least 40 billion euros within the next twelve months. This is the same amount as in previous years.

Stoltenberg was also optimistic about new deliveries of military equipment in the short term. "I expect the allies to provide further air defense systems and ammunition," he said.