NATO will further step up support for Ukraine, while strengthening the Alliance’s defense and deterrence and working to increase the protection of critical infrastructure, Secretary General Stoltenberg said on Thursday, 13 October 2022.
Speaking after a two-day meeting of Defence Ministers, Jens Stoltenberg praised the U.N. General Assembly’s condemnation of Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of four regions in Ukraine. “This is a clear and strong message that Russia is isolated and that the world stands with Ukraine,” he said, reiterating that NATO is not a party to the conflict, but that Allies will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
To further enhance Ukrainian defences, the Secretary General announced that NATO will soon provide Ukraine with hundreds of drone jammers for use against Russian and Iranian drones. Addressing Russia’s recent nuclear threats, the Secretary General made clear that President Putin’s nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible and that any use of nuclear weapons by Russia would have “severe consequences”. NATO will hold its annual, routine nuclear preparedness exercise next week, Mr Stoltenberg said, adding that planning for the drill commenced many months ago.