Extraordinary NATO Summit hosted today

The meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2022 and will be chaired by NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, in Brussels.

NATO’s Heads of State and Government conference will be streamed on NATO’s website, EBU World feed and EBU News Exchange.

The Summit will focus on the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the position of China in the current crisis, as well as on deciding the next steps to strengthen NATO’s defence.

In advance of the extraordinary Summit of NATO Heads of State and Government hosted at the headquarters in Brussels, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared at the press conference yesterday:

“NATO leaders will meet in Brussels tomorrow at a pivotal moment for our security.

And I look forward to welcoming President Zelensky who will address us during the meeting.

“President Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine is causing death and destruction every day.

“Allies stand united. In support for the brave people of Ukraine. And against the Kremlin’s cruelty.

“Putin must end this war. Allow aid and safe passage for civilians. And engage in real diplomacy.

“NATO Allies have responded to this crisis with strong support for Ukraine. And unprecedented costs for Russia.

“NATO has acted with speed and unity to protect and defend all Allies.

“There are now hundreds of thousands of Allied troops at heightened readiness across the Alliance. One hundred thousand US troops in Europe. And 40,000 forces under direct NATO command, mostly in the eastern part of the alliance. All backed by major air and naval power. Including five carrier strike groups in the High North and in the Mediterranean.

“At the Summit tomorrow, we will make further decisions. I expect leaders will agree to strengthen NATO’s posture in all domains. With major increases to our forces in the eastern part of the Alliance. On land, in the air, and at sea.

“The first step is the deployment of four new NATO battle-groups. In Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Along with our existing forces in the Baltic countries and Poland, this means that we will have eight multinational NATO battle-groups all along the eastern flank. From the Baltic to the Black Sea.

“We face a new reality for our security. So we must reset our deterrence and defence for the longer-term.

“Tomorrow, NATO leaders will reaffirm our support to Ukraine. Ukraine has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter. And we are helping Ukrainians to uphold this fundamental right.

“Since 2014, Allies have trained Ukraine’s armed forces, and significantly strengthened their capabilities. They are putting that training into practice now, on the front lines, with great bravery.

“In the last months, Allies have stepped up military support. Providing anti-tank and air defence systems, drones, fuel and ammunition. As well as financial aid. And hosting millions of refugees.

“Tomorrow, I expect Allies will agree to provide additional support. Including cybersecurity assistance. As well as equipment to help Ukraine protect against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

“President Putin’s invasion is brutal. And the human suffering is horrifying and painful to witness.

“We are determined to do all we can to support Ukraine. But we have a responsibility to ensure that the war does not escalate beyond Ukraine, and become a conflict between NATO and Russia. This would cause even more death and even more destruction.

“I also expect we will agree to step up tailored support for other partners at risk from Russian pressure. Including Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Working together, with the European Union, we must help them to uphold their sovereignty, and their right to make independent decisions.

“We face a fundamentally changed security environment. Where authoritarian powers are increasingly prepared to use force to get their way. So I expect we will also address the role of China in this crisis. Beijing has joined Moscow in questioning the right of independent nations to choose their own path. China has provided Russia with political support, including by spreading blatant lies and disinformation. And Allies are concerned that China could provide material support for the Russian invasion. I expect leaders will call on China to live up to its responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council. Refrain from supporting Russia’s war effort. And join the rest of the world in calling for an immediate, peaceful end to this war.

“We also call on Belarus to end its complicity in Putin’s invasion.

“The decisions we take tomorrow will have far-reaching implications. Major reinforcements to our security will require major investments in defence.

“So I expect Allies will agree to redouble their efforts to invest more. There is a new sense of urgency. Because we cannot take peace for granted.

“From the start of this crisis, Europe and North America have stood together, united in NATO. And we remain united. Opposing Russia’s aggression, supporting Ukraine, and protecting all Allies.”

As world leaders gather in Brussels for an entire day of talks about the current war in Ukraine, media is waiting for crucial conclusions regarding the future steps of the conflict. President Zelensky will also be present at the summit via online video streaming.

NATO Headquarters will also host the meeting of G7 Leaders later in the day. The European Council is also expected to meet in Brussels on 24th and 25th of March.

 

More updates to follow.

 

source: nato.int