Stoltenberg: NATO countries will provide weapons to Ukraine since Russia tries to take Donbas

In anticipation of an intensified russian offensive in eastern and southern Ukraine, NATO has stated its readiness to continue its armed support for Ukraine.

This was announced by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on the eve of the meeting of Allied Foreign Ministers, the EP writes.

"Moscow is not backing down from its ambitions in Ukraine. We are now seeing a significant withdrawal of troops from Kyiv to regroup, rearm and replenish supplies, as well as shift their focus to the east.

In the coming weeks, we expect a further Russian offensive in eastern and southern Ukraine.

To try to capture the whole of Donbas and create a land bridge to the occupied Crimea," Stoltenberg said.

The NATO Secretary-General emphasized that NATO Foreign Ministers would discuss at a meeting what further support they could provide.

"The Allies are determined to provide further support to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, air defense systems, and other equipment," he said.

According to him, NATO will also consider supporting Ukraine in the field of cyber defense, as well as protection against chemical and biological threats.

Stoltenberg said that at the meeting of Alliance ministers, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would brief the ministers on the latest information, in particular, the progress of talks with Moscow.

NATO partners from Finland, Sweden, Georgia, and the EU, as well as Asia-Pacific partners from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, will also take part in the meeting.

"This crisis has global consequences that affect us all," Stoltenberg explained.

The North Atlantic Council will meet on April 6-7.