Brussels, Belgium

Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday (Apr 3) discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and analysed how to put military support for Kyiv on a long-term footing. The meeting was also to mark NATO's 75th anniversary and to prepare for the summit in Washington in July.

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They talked about a 100 billion euro ($107 billion) five-year fund proposal and also discussed a plan seen as a way to "Trump-proof" aid for Ukraine. 

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg weighed in on ways to change the process of aid channelling to Ukraine for its fight against Russia. 

It is widely expected that the proposals by the NATO chief would give the Western alliance a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine. 

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"We need to shift the dynamics of our support. We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul, so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges," Stoltenberg said as he arrived at the Brussels meeting. 

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Stoltenberg, however, didn't confirm levels of funding and said the aim was for a decision to be taken at a July summit of NATO member states' leaders. 

During the meeting, NATO's principles an achievements were discussed, it was reiterated that an attack on one ally is an attack on all. 

Also read: Ukraine lowers army draft age to 25 to generate more fighting power 

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NATO chief noted that Europe now faces war on a scale "we thought was resigned to history". He said that Russia has launched new major attacks, striking Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure in recent days. "And Russia continues to press along the frontlines," he said. 

"We must stand firm in our support to Ukraine. and I welcome that Allies continue to make major deliveries of weapons, ammunition, and equipment. […] NATO Allies provide 99 per cent of all military support to Ukraine. So doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient, and more effective," he said.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos 

(With inputs from agencies)