NATO is not involved in the conflict with Russia, but still provides weapons to Ukraine

"Neither NATO nor NATO allies are a party to the conflict. We provide support to Ukraine, which is defending itself. It has the right to defend itself and we have the right to help Ukraine. Therefore, NATO and its allies are not a party to the conflict, but we support Ukraine," he said.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: AP

According to Mr. Stoltenberg, "the types of weapons provided have changed, depending on the development of the war." "Initially, it was important to provide light anti-tank weapons, then advanced artillery systems, then it became clear that advanced air defense systems were needed, and now heavy weapons," he added.

The NATO Secretary General noted that the military conflict began "not in February 2022, but in 2014, since then NATO allies have been supporting Ukraine."

Mr Stoltenberg also said that tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and ammunition were NATO's priorities for delivery to Ukraine, the issue of aircraft was not the most urgent, but discussions were continuing. "The urgent need now is to deliver what has been promised. And that will be the priority at today's meeting," he said.

Anatoly Sidorov, head of the General Staff of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), said that NATO countries are trying to destabilize the situation on the eastern flank and increase the number of troops deployed there: over the past year, it has increased 2.5 times - from 13 thousand to 33 thousand people. Among them, there are about 15 thousand American soldiers./.