NATO Unveils New Military Aid Package for Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has signalled that alliance members may soon announce new military aid to Ukraine, including advanced air defence systems, following a key defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

Rutte stated that discussions would focus on a new initiative launched in August to purchase lethal and non-lethal US-made weapons to support Kyiv. He noted that the issue of providing Ukraine with long-range missiles remains a bilateral matter between individual nations, rather than one for NATO as a whole.

He also addressed recent debates about Russian aircraft entering NATO airspace, stressing the importance of verifying any real threat before taking action. Rutte noted the priority is to ensure such aircraft leave allied airspace safely if they do not pose immediate danger.

Defense ministers are meeting to review spending and military assistance for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian attacks and a critical need for air-defense systems.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western arms supplies to Kyiv, warning that they undermine peace efforts and draw NATO directly into the conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said any arms shipments to Ukraine will be considered legitimate military targets, while the Kremlin warned that Western involvement will only make negotiations more difficult.