The NATO Chiefs of Defense reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine during a virtual meeting held on Wednesday in Brussels. This gathering included participation from all 32 allied military leaders and marked the inaugural briefing in this format by U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the newly appointed Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine joined the virtual meeting, participating alongside Grynkewich, who also heads U.S. European Command, as confirmed to Fox News by U.S. officials on Tuesday.
According to NATO officials, the meeting’s “candid discussion” focused on exploring security assurances that could be offered to Ukraine as part of a potential peace settlement to conclude Russia’s three-year conflict.
Col. Martin O’Donnell, the spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, mentioned on X that “the Supreme Allied Commander was honored to present to the Chiefs of Defense, marking his first time in this capacity. As he previously stated, ‘these are consequential times.'”
As reported by the Associated Press, guarantees that Ukraine will not encounter another invasion are viewed as crucial for any agreement, with Kyiv advocating for military support from the West, encompassing weapons and training. European partners are deliberating on the creation of a multinational security force to support a peace agreement.
This virtual session took place against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s efforts to guide Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toward a resolution. Trump recently met with Putin in Alaska last Friday and hosted Zelenskyy along with 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 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.
