NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this today in Riga at a joint press conference with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Polish President Andrzej Duda following the NATO summit in the B9 format, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“At the NATO Summit, I expect that Allies will take decisions to further strengthen our deterrence and defence. Agreeing to a greater role for NATO in coordinating training and equipment for Ukraine. And committing to a long-term financial pledge. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Allies have provided around 40 billion euros worth of military support to Ukraine each year. We must maintain this level of support for as long as necessary.
To ensure fresh funding every year. Credible, long-term support sends a clear message to President Putin that he cannot wait us out,” Stoltenberg stated.
He noted that the B9 countries play a critical role in NATO’s strengthened deterrence and defence. They host eight NATO multi-national battlegroups. These countries have significantly increased the readiness of their armed forces and remain among the leaders in increasing defense spending. These countries are also at the forefront of Allied support to Ukraine.
As Ukrinform reported, the B9 summit took place in Riga today, where participants discussed the current situation and ways to strengthen security in the Baltic region.
Photo: President’s Office
