On Thursday, the 4th of April, marking the 75th anniversary at a time when conflict is taking place close to its borders, NATO members agreed to review their arsenals to find more air defence systems to send to Ukraine. A call by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba for additional systems, in particular US-made Patriot missiles, was supported by NATO colleagues, with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledging the urgent need, reports Reuters.
Stoltenberg said NATO allies would review their stockpiles to determine whether they could provide additional air defence systems, in particular Patriot missiles, and provide ammunition and spare parts for existing systems.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of support to Ukraine, highlighting concerns about countries such as China, North Korea and Iran helping Russia to strengthen its defence industry.
“Based on what I heard today, I think everybody, including the US, will double back
and, if necessary, double down on finding the resources that Ukraine still needs,” Blinken was quoted as saying at the press conference, noting the need for air defence as well as artillery and ammunition.
But none of the officials made a specific pledge or target.
The ceremony, marked by a birthday party with cake and marching bands, could not hide the sombre mood in Brussels, with Kuleba telling reporters: “I did not want to spoil NATO’s birthday celebrations, but I felt compelled to make a very sharp remark on behalf of the Ukrainians about Russian air strikes on my country.”
Overnight on Thursday, a drone attack in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv destroyed residential buildings
and an energy facility in the region, killing several people, including three rescue workers in a repeat attack, and cutting power to 350 000 people.
“NATO’s biggest battles are yet to come and we must be ready for them,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters.
Russia is estimated to be recruiting around 30 000 additional troops each month, according to a NATO official who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicating its ability to sustain losses and keep offensive operations on track. However, the official noted that Russia still lacks the ammunition and manoeuvre units needed for a successful large-scale offensive.
NATO is also discussing increased coordination of military assistance to Ukraine, but there is no consensus on a proposed 100 billion euro five-year fund, with Hungary opposing it and other countries warning that it could overlap with existing assistance measures.
Also read: Zelenskyy says Russia bombed Ukraine with more than 3 000 bombs in March
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