KYIV: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg held a meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the ongoing conflict and the needs of Ukrainian troops.
This meeting occurred the day after Russia accused Ukraine’s Western allies of involvement in planning and executing a missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters in Crimea, which Russia annexed.
During the meeting, Zelensky highlighted the need for NATO members to provide additional air defense systems to safeguard Ukraine’s power plants and energy infrastructure, which had suffered significant damage during Russia’s attacks last winter. He also emphasized the frequent attacks on civilian areas, including 40 drone strikes overnight.
❝The stronger Ukraine becomes, the closer we come to ending Russia’s aggression.❞
NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg met with President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦
— NATO (@NATO) September 28, 2023
NATO Secures €2.4 Billion Ammunition Contracts for Ukraine
Stoltenberg announced that NATO has secured contracts worth 2.4 billion euros ($2.5 billion) for ammunition supplies to Ukraine, including 155 mm Howitzer shells, anti-tank guided missiles, and tank ammunition.
Stoltenberg emphasized, “As Ukraine grows stronger, we move closer to putting an end to Russia’s aggression. Russia has the ability to cease hostilities immediately and bring an end to the conflict.
“As Ukraine grows stronger, we move closer to putting an end to Russia’s aggression,” Stoltenberg affirmed. “Russia could cease hostilities immediately and bring an end to the conflict. However, for Ukraine, surrendering is not an option. It would not bring about peace but instead result in a harsh Russian occupation. True peace cannot be achieved at any cost.”
On a related note, the Russian Foreign Ministry had previously claimed that the missile attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Crimea involved coordination with US and UK security agencies, along with NATO satellite and reconnaissance support. Ukraine reported casualties from the attack but did not provide supporting evidence.
Zelensky also mentioned that Ukraine is developing a plan outlining practical steps for aligning with NATO’s principles and standards.
