By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL – On April 3-4, the NATO ministers of foreign affiars are meeting in Brussels to prepare for the NATO Summit in Washington D.C. in July and to commemorate NATO’s 75th anniversary. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in his opening remarks at the meeting said “NATO was founded on a single, solemn promise: an attack on one Ally is an attack on all.” The NATO chief said that over the last 75 years, NATO’s Open Door has been instrumental in spreading “democracy and prosperity across Europe.” Stoltenberg said a major concern is Russia’s new launch of major attacks on Ukraine, striking Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. He reiterated that NATO must “stand firm” in its support of Ukraine and lauded Allies continual delivery of weapons, ammunition and equipment for Ukraine. Stoltenberg reiterated Ukraine’s most pressing needs and that any delay in support has far-reaching consequences on the battlefield, saying the “dynamics of our support” needs to shift. He said that Ukraine must have a guarantee of “reliable and predictable security assistance” for “the long haur.” Stoltenberg said that means relying more on NATO commitments, “less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges.”
The NATO chief said ministers will discuss how NATO can take more responsibility in coordinating military equipment and training for Ukraine within a “robust NATO framework.” They will also discuss a multi-year financial commitment to maintain support and that the two-day Brussels meetings will be the framework for “achieving consensus on these issues as we prepare for the Washington Summit.” Stoltenberg said that NATO Allies provide 99 percent of all military support to Ukraine and that doing more under NATO will make all efforts more efficient and more effective. He emphasized that Russia must realize they can’t achieve their goals on the battlefield and that “they cannot wait us out.” Stoltenberg said on Thursday there will be a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kuleba to discuss the current situation and Ukraine’s needs now and for the future. Stoltenberg highlighted the fact that NATO’s comprehensive assistance package is “transforming” into a “multi-year program of assistance.” The NATO chief said Europe is assisting Ukraine in moving closer to NATO as well as NATO standards on everything from procurement to logistics. Stoltenberg said European nations are supporting Ukraine’s reform efforts to bring it “ever closer to the Alliance.” He underscored the goal that “Ukraine will become a member of NATO,” adding “It is a question of when, not if.”
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