Ukraine must not be forgotten in view of the Middle East war, demanded the NATO foreign ministers. They didn’t find any concrete solutions – instead they agreed on brands for Kiev’s accession.
The NATO-Ukraine Council is also a meeting against Ukraine fatigue. In the meantime, a certain resignation to the point of looking the other way has spread – not only in politics, but also in the public and in the media.
This is fatal given the current situation on the battlefield and the onset of winter, said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Russia is using the winter as an opportunity to target civilian infrastructure. “And that’s why we now have to not only look, but also put up a winter protective umbrella,” emphasized the Green politician.
Germany has already started intensively with this – “through further deliveries of ‘Patriots’ and civil infrastructure measures such as generators.” “I am once again calling on the world to do everything we can to put together this winter protection shield for Ukraine,” said the Foreign Minister.
Stoltenberg: Words must be followed by actions
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also called for the strong words and great expressions of solidarity to be followed by further action from all NATO partners.
As an example, he cited the “air defense coalition” of 20 states, which was founded last week. This will help protect Ukraine’s armed forces and cities “and save Ukrainian lives.” And the NATO aid package is being converted into a multi-year aid program that is intended to help Ukraine transition from Soviet to NATO standards.
Ukraine demands more Anti-aircraft systems
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Maria Valtonen complained that the level of Western support is currently not sufficient. Ukraine now urgently needs more ammunition and weapons. President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously called for additional air defense systems in view of the devastating drone attacks on Kiev at the weekend.
The defense industries in NATO countries should combine their forces more, said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. An example of this is the one million rounds of ammunition. The EU promised delivery to Ukraine within a year in the spring.
Around 300,000 shots have been delivered so far, said Kuleba. “When I look at the reasons for this, I don’t see a lack of will, but a lot of technical problems that require a lot of attention and care,” Kuleba said. “People with special knowledge of how spare parts work, how supply chains work, they have to get together and solve the problem. Otherwise Europe will remain defenseless.”
Signposts for joining NATO
Instead of solutions, markers were set today for Ukraine’s further path into the defense alliance. “We are the strongest and most battle-tested army in Europe,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba. “In terms of our technical capabilities, the management of our forces and principles, we are almost de facto a NATO army.”
NATO’s stated goal is to accept Ukraine as a member. However, all members agree that this is not possible in the middle of a war, said Stoltenberg.
But further concrete steps have been agreed with Ukraine. “They are in the process of setting up the system for the procurement of defense equipment and – in close coordination with NATO – also modernizing their secret services,” emphasized the Norwegian. These are just a few examples of how Ukraine is actually changing “by adapting and strengthening itself.” This also helps it move closer to NATO membership.