NATO is making long-term investments in the development of Ukraine's armed forces.
A NATO official said the organization is investing in the development of Ukraine's armed forces in the "long term," and that practical support from allies will continue.
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| Ukrainian naval vessels patrol Mariupol, Azov Sea, on November 27, 2018. Source: AFP |
The official mentioned that NATO is supporting Ukraine in modernizing its navy, developing a Naval Academy, and providing assistance through trust funds.
"Everything I've listed is a long-term investment. Support for reform and capacity building will continue; this process is not exhausted and is still ongoing," he said in response to a question about specific measures NATO would take after the Kerch Strait incident.
"NATO acknowledges the impressive progress Ukraine has made in recent years thanks to NATO support. Ukraine currently does not meet NATO standards, and we will continue to provide support," he added.
According to the NATO official, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is maintaining contact with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss forms of assistance, and the alliance continues to call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.
He also mentioned that over the past year the alliance has increased its military presence in the Black Sea, stepped up the volume of exercises and training, and enhanced its intelligence capabilities.
