BRUSSELS: NATO member countries on Wednesday condemned “indiscriminate” heavy Russian strikes across Ukraine, the Western military alliance said, after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels, where officials from both sides discussed the escalating conflict.
The latest Russian offensive, which occurred on Monday and Tuesday, involved a barrage of attack drones and missiles targeting various locations across Ukraine. These strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and inflicted severe damage on Ukraine’s already fragile energy infrastructure. The attacks have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the country, with significant disruptions to power and heating services.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to bolstering military aid to Ukraine. “We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. This is vital for Ukraine’s ability to stay in the fight,” Stoltenberg stated following the meeting with Ukrainian officials.
Several NATO member countries have voiced support for lifting restrictions on the types of weaponry Ukraine can use, particularly long-range missiles. This move is aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against the ongoing Russian assaults. A diplomatic source said that this proposal is gaining traction among member states.
During the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov provided an update on the dire situation on the ground. The Ukrainian military is currently facing significant challenges in the eastern part of the country, where Russian forces have made notable advances in recent months. Despite ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensives, the Russian military has successfully captured several towns and villages.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been vocal about the need for increased support, urged European air forces to collaborate with Ukrainian forces in countering drone and missile attacks. “In our various regions of Ukraine, we could do much more to protect lives if the aviation of our European neighbours worked together with our F-16s and our air defence,” Zelensky said in a statement.
According to Ukrainian officials, 15 regions across the country were targeted by a total of 236 missiles and drones. Ukrainian air defences reportedly intercepted 201 of these projectiles.
