The allies forcefully condemned Russia’s and Belarus’s brutal aggression against Ukraine and bombing and shelling of civilian targets. It was stressed that both Russia and Belarus should be held responsible for this perfectly unprovoked aggression towards a sovereign state.

The allies jointly concluded that in the wake of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine the security situation in Europe has changed dramatically, which will require radical adjustment of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. The foreign ministers confirmed the need to significantly strengthen NATO’s eastern flank to ensure effective protection of its territory. Minister Rau noted that NATO must have credible strengthening capacities and be ready to immediately respond to possible violations of the Alliance’s borders.

The allies agreed that by invading Ukraine Russia had yet again violated the main provisions of the NATO-Russia Founding Act.

Another point of discussion was the support of Ukraine, which is now fighting for freedom and transatlantic values. The allies undertook to provide both humanitarian and military aid to help Ukraine defend its territory. The heads of diplomacy stressed not only aid for the refugees but also the need to set up humanitarian corridors to deliver aid and food for civilian population.

On the sidelines of the session, the head of Polish diplomacy held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Lithuania and Norway. They were an opportunity for enhanced discussion on the cooperation to support Ukraine, both in the military and humanitarian aspect. Security of the NATO’s eastern flank was the main point of the talks.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson

 

Photo: Sebastina Indra