In an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Prague, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called on member states to continue providing military aid to Ukraine at current levels. Speaking in the Czech capital on Friday, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of long-term commitments to ensure that Russia cannot "wait out" NATO's support for Kyiv.

Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO plays a crucial role in coordinating the provision of military aid and training for Ukrainian forces. He stressed that this increased coordination will offer more predictability to Ukraine and address both immediate and long-term needs. The NATO chief underlined that almost all military aid, a staggering 99%, received by Ukraine comes from NATO allies.

To demonstrate solidarity and deter Moscow's aggression, Stoltenberg urged NATO member states to make long-term financial commitments, signaling to Russia that support for Ukraine will persist. He emphasized that it is essential for Russia to understand that NATO will not back down, stating, "Russia must understand that it cannot wait us out."

Stoltenberg further stated that NATO members must maintain, at the very least, current levels of support to Ukraine for as long as necessary. Western analysts have cautioned that the conflict has transformed into a war of attrition, with Russia employing a strategy of waiting for Western backing to dwindle in order to overcome Ukraine.

Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed in Prague that the United States has authorized Ukraine to use American weapons to strike Russian territory. Blinken justified the change in policy by citing recent developments, including Moscow's attacks on Ukraine's second most populous city, Kharkiv, which lies in close proximity to the Russian border. Russian fighter jets have been seen supporting the offensive in Kharkiv by deploying glide bombs into Ukraine's airspace.

Responding to concerns about escalation, Stoltenberg dismissed Russian warnings and reaffirmed Ukraine's right to self-defense. He asserted that NATO allies have the right to assist Ukraine in defending itself and that this assistance does not make NATO a party to the conflict. Stoltenberg reminded reporters that Russia had already escalated the situation by invading another country.

While attending the meeting, Blinken was asked about China's support for Russia, but no details on his response were provided in the information.

The NATO chief's call for continued support and the US's permission for Ukrainian strikes within Russia underscore the alliance's determination to stand by Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. As the conflict persists, NATO's unified stance aims to deter further aggression and protect Ukraine's territorial integrity.