NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday the alliance will continue to focus on supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian invaders even as members contend with other issues, especially the war between Israel and Hamas.
He made the comments ahead of this week’s meetings of NATO’s foreign ministers.
“Allies remain unwavering in their support for Ukraine and we are determined to bring Ukraine closer to NATO,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. “We see intense fighting along the frontline and we have seen waves of drone attacks against Ukrainian cities. We need to be prepared for more fighting and also more air and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.”
Members of the alliance will discuss preparations for NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington next year, Chinese aggressive activities in the Indo-Pacific region, and the unfolding situation in the Middle East. Mr. Stoltenberg said he welcomed the extension of the pause in hostilities in Gaza.
“This has allowed for much-needed relief for the people of Gaza and also the release of more hostages,” he said.
In brief comments to the press on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he also was pleased to see hostages returning home after weeks in captivity following their abduction on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas militants.
“We’re determined to continue that for as long as possible to bring as may people home as we possibly can. And that continues,” Mr. Blinken said.
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