NATO foreign ministers gathered for two days - Thursday and Friday - in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine and the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, IPN reports.

“The focus for all 32 [member states] is how to defend NATO territory from the Russians - our long-term threat, which will persist even after a peace agreement in Ukraine,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as quoted by DW.

Rutte emphasized that NATO members should increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP.

“We want to leave this Summit with a clear understanding that we’re on a realistic path, and that every member is fulfilling their commitment to reach up to 5% in defense spending,” the NATO Secretary General added.

He reaffirmed NATO’s support for Ukraine and welcomed the fact that alliance members have pledged over €20 billion in military assistance for the first quarter of 2025.

During a round of discussions, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, spoke with NATO foreign ministers about defense industrial capacity, the situation in the Western Balkans, and continued support for Ukraine.

“Our White Paper on the future of defense is about unlocking funding, doing more for defense, enhancing capabilities and cooperation. Ultimately, this will make NATO stronger,” stated Kaja Kallas.

Photo source: nato.int