NATO steps up support for Ukraine with comprehensive package of assistance

NATO defense ministers agreed on Wednesday to boost NATO's support for Ukraine with a Comprehensive Package of Assistance. The Package aims to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses by building stronger security structures.

In a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, the NATO defense ministers also exchanged views with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak on the current security situation in eastern Ukraine, and the progress of government reforms, according to a NATO press release.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg explained that the Comprehensive Package brings together all the strands of NATO's support, and will "help Ukraine establish more effective and efficient defence and security structures, and to strengthen civilian control over them."

He highlighted that the Alliance is already implementing projects under the Trust Funds established for Ukraine, including on command and control, cyber defense, and rehabilitating wounded soldiers.

"We are also developing new projects, including in the areas of countering hybrid warfare and explosive devices," he said.

Ministers agreed that the Minsk Agreements remain the path to a sustainable solution to the conflict, and urged all parties to fully implement them, said the press release.

NATO allies will meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the Warsaw Summit in July. 

Source: XINHUA