Last week, the NATO-Ukraine Council convened in response to the recent Russian airstrikes targeting Ukraine. Allies unequivocally condemned the heightened escalation in Russian air strikes and reiterated their unwavering commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
Convened at Ukraine’s request, the meeting occurred at the ambassadorial level, with Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana presiding over the NATO-Ukraine Council. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov participated via video conference. Deputy Secretary General Geoana emphasized the pressing need for continued support in light of Russia’s ongoing attacks targeting Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.
Allies are extending military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in a show of unprecedented solidarity. France is preparing to dispatch additional Caesar howitzers, while several Allies have joined Czechia’s initiative to procure an additional 800,000 artillery shells. NATO is establishing the Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre in Bydgoscz, Poland, facilitating joint training exercises between Ukrainian forces and Allied troops. In addition, under NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), the Alliance is supplying crucial non-lethal support.
The creation of the NATO-Ukraine Council was agreed upon at the Vilnius Summit in July 2023. This council serves as a crucial forum for crisis consultations and decision-making, fostering collaboration between NATO and Ukraine in addressing pressing security concerns.
