Defense ministers from the 31 NATO countries meet this Wednesday in Brussels for a two-day meeting.
The main theme will be Cooperation with Russia attacked Ukraine and the planned expansion of the alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities. On Thursday there will also be a video with Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant about the devastating terrorist attack carried out by Hamas terrorists.
Shortly before the start of the NATO meeting, the US organizes consultations of the so-called Ukraine Contact Group this Wednesday morning (10 am). Arms deliveries to the country attacked by Russia are coordinated through them. NATO is officially excluded because non-aligned states are also part of the contact group. Guests in Brussels will include new Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov. He is also expected to participate in the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at defense minister level later in the afternoon.
Also Hamas attack thread
The meeting is not only overshadowed by Hamas’ attack on Israel. The alliance is also concerned about the further escalation of tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. There are also serious internal tensions because alliance members Turkey and Hungary continue to block Sweden’s admission to NATO.
The Secretary of State for Defense, Siemtje Möller, is expected to participate in the meeting of the so-called Ramstein Group as a representative of the federal government. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced his presence at NATO consultations.