Lütke calls on NATO member states: "Don't ignore Ukraine"

Reference News Network reported on April 18 According to AFP on April 15, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged member countries on the 15th to "not overlook Ukraine," to increase support for Kyiv, and set a $60 billion aid target for 2026.

The report stated that Stoltenberg made the remarks at the opening of a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group held in Berlin: "We must ensure that we are capable of providing uninterrupted support to Ukraine."

He called on NATO's 32 member countries to "increase contributions to achieve the goal of providing $60 billion in security and defense support to Ukraine this year."

The meeting comes at a time when U.S. President Trump’s push for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has stalled. Additionally, as the U.S. and Israel engage in conflict with Iran, the war has effectively pushed the issue of Ukraine to a secondary position.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated in Berlin: "This winter has been one of the toughest winters in Ukraine's history." He said that in recent months, Russia has launched a large number of missiles and "Shahed" drones at Ukraine, "with the aim of destroying our energy infrastructure."

He emphasized, "But Ukraine has held its ground," and with the support of the "Ukraine Priority Needs List" passed by European allies, it has purchased U.S. equipment, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities.

Stoltenberg pointed out that air defense, drones, and missiles, as well as long-range artillery, are the three "priority" areas for development and supply discussed with allies on the 15th. (Translated by Pan Ge Ping)