NATO Defence Ministers will meet in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday (12-13 October 2022) to step up and sustain support to Ukraine and continue to strengthen NATO’s own defences, against the backdrop of Russia’s most significant escalation since the start of the Ukraine conflict.

Previewing the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO would stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” He added that “NATO is not party to the conflict, but our support is playing a key role” in helping Ukraine defend itself and liberate territory, in the face of Russia’s “horrific and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure”.

🔴 LIVE SOON (15:00 CEST)

🎙️ Pre-ministerial press conference ahead of #NATO #DefMin

📍@NATO HQ, Brussels https://t.co/PYjQo9klEi

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) October 11, 2022

Ministers will agree measures to further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence, by increasing stockpiles of munitions and equipment, providing industry the long-term demand they need to boost production through the NATO defence planning process, and increasing resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure. They will also discuss NATO’s missions and operations from Kosovo to Iraq, reads the NATO press statement.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has already arrived in Brussels, Belgium, saying the Ministerial will be “a critical moment” for global security. “It’s as important as ever for us to strengthen our alliances, build for tomorrow, and continue our collective support for Ukraine.”

Just landed in Brussels, Belgium. This upcoming @NATO Defense Ministerial will be a critical moment for global security. It’s as important as ever for us to strengthen our alliances, build for tomorrow, and continue our collective support for Ukraine. #WeAreNATO https://t.co/R1OMYyPUR5

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 11, 2022