Defense ministers from NATO member states met on Wednesday at the Alliance's Headquarters in Brussels to analyze measures to strengthen the deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank, as well as ways to support Ukraine. Romania was represented by the Minister of National Defense, Ionuț Moșteanu, according to the MApN.

The meeting included two working sessions: one dedicated to defense and deterrence, followed by an informal lunch in the NATO-Ukraine Council format, which was also attended by the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, and the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal.

Ministers analyze the security situation on the Eastern Flank

Within the North Atlantic Council, the ministers analyzed the implementation of the commitments undertaken at the NATO Summit in The Hague, the security situation on the Eastern Flank, including the recent incursions by the Russian Federation into the airspace of Romania, Poland and Estonia, as well as Operation Eastern Sentry, launched to strengthen collective defense in the region.

Also discussed were progress in the field of air and missile defense, the increase in defense industrial capabilities, as well as the allied commitment to allocate 5% of GDP to defense by 2035, established in The Hague.

The Romanian Minister of Defense emphasized Romania's active role in ensuring security in the Black Sea and its firm commitment to strengthening the Eastern Flank.

"Romania is fully committed to the allied efforts to ensure the security and stability of the Eastern Flank. We support the development of NATO initiatives for a collective response to the threats generated by drones that violated the airspace of allied states," declared Minister Liviu-Ionuț Moșteanu.

Increased support for Ukraine

The second part of the meeting, held in the format of the NATO-Ukraine Council, was dedicated to support for Kiev and diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace. Ministers discussed ways to accelerate assistance to Ukraine through the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) and the NATO Security Assistance Mission (NSATU).

At the same time, the meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group (UDCG) took place in Brussels, hosted by the British Minister of Defense, John Healey, and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, the Ministry of Defense stated.