On Tuesday, February 17, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, held a meeting with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Boris Ruge.
The head of Ukraine's foreign policy agency thanked Boris Ruge for his active support of Ukraine in countering the military aggression of the Russian Federation, as well as for his assistance in coordinating international efforts to ensure the defense capability of our state.
During the meeting, the Minister briefed his interlocutor on the dynamics of the peace process, specifically the negotiations in Abu Dhabi and today’s meeting in Geneva.
Andrii Sybiha emphasized the importance of ensuring continuous and systematic support for Ukraine from allies, particularly the supply of air defense systems to protect critical and energy infrastructure. The Minister outlined the urgent needs of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine and stressed the importance of partners continuing military assistance within the framework of the PURL initiative and other mechanisms, and underlined the necessity of forming a comprehensive package of non-lethal support and further strengthening this initiative.
“Ukraine remains committed to common transatlantic security. Our combat experience and feedback from the frontline constitute a significant contribution to strengthening collective defense. At the same time, we must ensure technological parity with Russia — by expanding production capacities and developing critical defense technologies,” noted Andrii Sybiha.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed goals and expectations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, as well as further coordination between Ukraine and the Alliance and the need to maintain and increase international pressure on Russia.
“Ukraine’s security is an integral part of the Alliance’s security. The Summit must lead to meaningful decisions that will strengthen and expand support for Ukraine. It must send a strong signal of NATO’s unity, strength, and resolve,” the Minister remarked.