Top officials from NATO and the European Union (EU) pressed foreign ministers of leading industrialized nations on Thursday to expedite the provision of additional air defense systems and artillery to Ukraine, cautioning that delays could tip the balance of the war in favor of Moscow.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell addressed a gathering of foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations on the Italian resort island of Capri. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, alongside escalating tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, dominated discussions at the meeting.
Borrell emphasized the urgent need for more Patriot air defense missile systems to shield Ukraine from Russian strikes, warning that without adequate defense, vital infrastructure like the electricity system could face destruction.
Stoltenberg acknowledged positive developments, including potential approval by the U.S. Congress of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, much of which would be allocated for purchasing weapons and ammunition from U.S. defense manufacturers. He also welcomed recent financial commitments from the Netherlands and Denmark, along with Germany’s announcement of delivering a new Patriot missile battery.
However, Stoltenberg stressed the necessity for more sustained and comprehensive assistance to enable Ukraine to coordinate its response effectively over the long term.
“There is an urgent, critical need for more air defense,” Stoltenberg emphasized, noting the requirement for additional artillery rounds as well. “We cannot continue in a situation where Russia outmatches Ukraine in firepower. The Ukrainians need more support urgently.”
The call from NATO and the EU underscores growing international concern over the conflict’s escalation and the need for swift action to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
