NATO Reaffirms Support for Ukraine... Discusses Measures to Strengthen Alliance

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Defense ministers of NATO member countries, including the United States, reiterated their commitment on the 16th (local time) to continue supporting Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, while discussing NATO's mid- to long-term security enhancement plans.

According to major foreign media, NATO defense ministers discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and long-term security enhancement measures, including the reinforcement of allied forces in the eastern region, at a special meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, on the same day.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated, "We are united in our support for Ukraine," adding, "We support their ability to defend themselves and will continue to provide assistance."

The meeting was also attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Resnikov, as well as representatives from Finland, Sweden, Georgia, and the European Union (EU).

Minister Resnikov is expected to request additional weapons support from NATO member countries. Ukraine is not a NATO member.

NATO defense ministers are also reportedly set to instruct military commanders to develop plans for new measures to respond to Russia, including strengthening forces in Eastern Europe and missile defense systems.

At least ten NATO member countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, have already deployed additional troops, ships, and fighter jets to Eastern Europe, but there is a need to review how to address the new security environment in Europe from a mid- to long-term perspective.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on the day that Russia's invasion "will also change our security environment," adding, "It will have a long-lasting impact on the security of all NATO allies."

Secretary General Stoltenberg added that the meeting would address not only the immediate effects of Russia's invasion but also the long-term impacts and how NATO will adapt over the long term, as well as how to further strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense.

He also stated the day before, "We need to reset our military posture to fit this new reality," and "The ministers will begin important discussions on concrete measures to strengthen our security in all domains over the long term."

Secretary General Stoltenberg noted that NATO is strengthening collective defense in response to Russia's invasion, with 100,000 U.S. troops in Europe and 40,000 troops under NATO's direct command, most of whom are stationed in NATO's eastern region.