NATO defense chiefs stress commitment to Ukraine, discuss security guarantees during virtual summit
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The NATO Chiefs of Defense reaffirmed support for Ukraine in a virtual meeting Wednesday in Brussels that included all 32 allied military leaders and featured the first briefing in this format led by U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the new Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine attended the meeting virtually, along with Grynkewich, who also leads U.S. European Command, U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday.

NATO officials said in a statement that the “candid discussion” centered on what security guarantees the alliance might provide Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement to end Russia’s three-year war.

Col. Martin O’Donnell, spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, wrote on X that “the Supreme Allied Commander was honored to brief the Chiefs of Defense, his first in such a format. As he has said before, ‘these are consequential times.'”

According to the Associated Press, assurances that Ukraine won’t face another invasion are seen as central to any settlement, with Kyiv pressing for Western-backed military commitments, including weapons and training. European allies are working on options for a multinational security force that could backstop a peace deal.

Wednesday’s virtual session unfolded against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s push to steer Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toward a settlement. Trump met with Putin last Friday in Alaska and hosted Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday. 

The reaffirmations come a day after Caine convened a smaller meeting in Washington with defense chiefs from Germany, the U.K., France, Finland and Italy to prepare for Wednesday’s broader NATO discussions.

NATO officials at headquarters hold a virtual conference with allied defense chiefs on supporting Ukraine

NATO military leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine in a virtual meeting with 32 allied chiefs on Wednesday. (NATO)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized NATO discussions on Ukraine’s security conducted without Moscow’s involvement, warning that “this will not work” and vowing Russia would “ensure its legitimate interests firmly and harshly,” RIA Novosti reported, according to AP.

The White House did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three People Hurt in Shooting After Fight Erupts at Jacksonville Westside Bar, Police Report

A confrontation that began inside a restaurant escalated when the alleged shooter…
Nigerian villagers in Jabo are rattled by US airstrikes that made their homes shake and the sky glow red

US Airstrikes Leave Jabo Villagers in Shock: Homes Tremble and Skies Turn Red in Nigeria

In the tranquil village of Jabo, Nigeria, 40-year-old farmer Sanusi Madabo was…
Is 'soft saving' smart — or short-sighted?

Is ‘Soft Saving’ a Wise Financial Strategy or a Potential Pitfall?

(NerdWallet) – Have you ever found yourself setting aside less money for…
Diff'rent Strokes child star Melanie Watson dies at 57

Remembering Melanie Watson: ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Star Passes Away at 57

Melanie Watson, a former child star from the beloved series Diff’rent Strokes,…
Where Todd Bowles stands with Buccaneers as season spirals

Evaluating Todd Bowles’ Position Amidst Buccaneers’ Challenging Season

Despite the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggling with a below .500 record, head…
Native American tribe claims part of Sunrise Highway illegal

Native American Tribe Challenges Legality of Sunrise Highway Ownership: A Bold Call for Justice

A Native American tribe based on Long Island is challenging the legality…
Bob Ross' curls were actually a perm - see him before the iconic style

Discover Bob Ross’ Surprising Hair Secret: See His Transformation Before the Iconic Perm!

Bob Ross, the beloved painter known for his soothing voice and happy…
Donald Trump meets with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago - and snaps at reporter

Donald Trump and Zelensky’s Mar-a-Lago Meeting: Tensions Flare with Reporter’s Question

In a significant display of diplomacy, former President Donald Trump extended a…