LIVE: NATO press conference ahead of foreign ministers meeting

Key Concepts

NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting: Upcoming meeting at NATO headquarters to discuss evolving threats, deterrence, defense, and preparations for the next NATO summit in Ankara.
NATO Summit in Ankara (July): Focus on evolving threats, progress on defense investment commitments, and strengthening capabilities.
Defense Investment Commitments: Allies agreed to invest 5% of GDP on defense, with 3.5% on core defense spending, to enhance military capabilities (aircraft, tanks, ships, drones, cyber, space).
Deterrence and Defense: Strengthening NATO's ability to prevent and respond to threats.
NATO-Ukraine Council: Meeting with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and EU High Representative Josep Borrell to discuss support for Ukraine.
Evolving Threats: Including those posed by Russia, and the need to address them proactively.
Russia's Aggression: Systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, with support from China and North Korea.
Support for Ukraine: Billions of dollars in essential equipment provided through the "Pearl" initiative, with ongoing efforts to ensure Ukraine has what it needs.
Eastern Century: NATO's comprehensive approach to strengthening the Eastern flank, from the Black Sea to the High North, including addressing drone threats.
Anti-Drone Technology: Development and deployment of capabilities to counter drone threats.
Hybrid Warfare: NATO's revised hybrid strategy to confront threats that are both conventional and hybrid, including cyber.
Ukraine's NATO Membership: A complex issue with no current consensus among allies, but the principle of open membership remains.
Peace Negotiations for Ukraine: US-led efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, with NATO coordinating closely and offering support.
Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Discussions on post-ceasefire security arrangements to prevent future Russian aggression.
Pearl Initiative: A program providing essential equipment to Ukraine, with ongoing efforts to ensure its sustainability and increased funding.
Defense Industrial Production: Scaling up production capacity across NATO to meet demand and stay ahead of technological advancements.
Black Sea Security: Concerns regarding incidents involving "shadow fleet" ships and their implications for regional security.
Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue: EU-led process, with NATO indirectly involved through KFOR, emphasizing accountability for past attacks.

Summary of NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting and Press Conference

This summary details the key discussions and statements made during a press conference following a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, focusing on upcoming NATO activities, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and broader security challenges.

Preparations for NATO Summit in Ankara and Evolving Threats

The Secretary General opened by highlighting the upcoming meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers at NATO headquarters, with a particular focus on preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara in July. The agenda includes addressing evolving threats to security, reviewing actions to strengthen deterrence and defense, and a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.

A significant point of discussion was the commitment made by leaders at the Vilnius Summit to invest 5% of GDP on defense, with 3.5% allocated to core defense spending. This commitment aims to provide armed forces with necessary equipment, including aircraft, tanks, ships, drones, and cyber and space capabilities. The Secretary General emphasized that this increased investment is a "major leap" recognizing a "changing reality" and that "meaningful progress" is being made, with allies announcing new initiatives to boost capabilities. However, he cautioned against complacency, stressing the need to "build momentum and hold each other accountable" to ensure the safety of NATO's 1 billion citizens.

To ensure the effectiveness of increased investment, NATO is rapidly scaling up production capacity by working with industry to produce needed equipment and innovate. This is seen as a "win-win" for societies, bolstering security and prosperity while creating jobs.

The War in Ukraine and Peace Negotiations

The Secretary General reiterated that NATO's security is deeply linked to the situation in Ukraine, and allies are working towards a "just and lasting peace." He welcomed the US-led efforts to make this a reality, expressing confidence that these sustained efforts will restore peace in Europe.

The NATO-Ukraine Council meeting was highlighted, with the participation of Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The discussions acknowledged Russia's "increasingly brutal attacks against Ukraine," including the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure, depriving Ukrainians of heat and light. The role of China as a "decisive enabler" and North Korea's support for Russia were also noted.

Allies have shown "unwavering commitment to Ukraine" since the full-scale invasion. The "Pearl" initiative, through which European and Canadian allies have provided billions of dollars in essential US equipment, was cited as a crucial part of ongoing efforts to ensure Ukraine can defend itself and deter future aggression. The Secretary General anticipated new contributions from allies in the coming days.

Regarding the peace negotiations, the Secretary General stated that "NATO elements of a deal to end the war against Ukraine will be dealt with separately and that obviously will include NATO." He commended the US for putting forward proposals and leading these efforts. While acknowledging that initial drafts of peace plans, like the "28-point plan," may include various elements, he emphasized that "we have moved on" from the original draft. He clarified that the principle of Ukraine's potential NATO membership is governed by the Washington Treaty, and while Ukraine has applied, there is currently "no consensus on Ukraine joining NATO." He stressed that the Washington summit's decision in 2024 regarding open membership for countries in the Euro-Atlantic area remains relevant.

Addressing Hybrid Threats and Drone Incidents

The discussion also addressed hybrid attacks attributed to Russia, including an incident in Poland. NATO's response is guided by its founding principle as a defensive alliance, which will not change. However, NATO is committed to ensuring its security against both conventional and hybrid threats. A revised hybrid strategy was agreed upon at the Vilnius Summit to confront these realities. While specific actions are not always disclosed, the strategy aims to ensure NATO's safety.

In response to a question about drones falling on Romanian territory, the Secretary General highlighted the "Eastern Century" initiative, which consolidates all alliance activities on the Eastern flank. This initiative includes improving capabilities to tackle drone threats through both drone production and anti-drone technology. He assured that progress is rapid, with assistance from Ukraine through a joint center in Poland sharing lessons learned.

Regarding metal balloons paralyzing Lithuanian airspace, NATO is closely coordinating with Lithuania and other concerned countries. The "Eastern Century" initiative is being used to ramp up efforts against drone threats, in conjunction with the EU's work on industry and funding. The Secretary General also noted that countries have come to each other's aid, citing examples of Belgium, Denmark, and even Ukraine sending teams to assist.

Sustainability of Support and Future Deliverables

On the Pearl initiative, the Secretary General reported that the program is on track, having secured $4 billion by the current time of year, with a goal of $1 billion per month. He expressed cautious optimism about meeting the December target and securing funding for the following year. He stressed the essential nature of this equipment, much of which is not produced in Europe. Discussions with Foreign Ministers will focus on making the initiative more sustainable and less reliant on "cap in hand" requests.

For the summit in Ankara, potential deliverables include follow-up on defense spending commitments, ramping up defense industrial production, and ensuring Ukraine has the necessary support to remain strong in the fight and in potential peace negotiations.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

Increased Defense Spending is Crucial: Allies must meet their commitments to 5% of GDP on defense to counter evolving threats.
Production Capacity is Key: Scaling up defense industrial production is vital to match demand and maintain technological advantage.
Ukraine's Security is NATO's Security: Continued support for Ukraine is essential for European peace and stability.
Peace Negotiations Require Russian Engagement: While US-led efforts are commendable, a lasting peace ultimately depends on Russia's willingness to negotiate in good faith.
Hybrid Threats Demand a Robust Response: NATO must adapt its strategies to counter the growing reality of hybrid and cyber warfare.
Ukraine's NATO Membership is a Complex Issue: While the principle of open membership remains, current consensus is lacking, necessitating alternative security guarantees.

Notable Quotes

"We have much to discuss as we look ahead to the next NATO summit in Ankara in July."
"Allies agreed to invest 5% of GDP on defense, including 3.5% on core defense spending..."
"This commitment to invest more in our security was a major leap which recognized our changing reality."
"Increasing our investment is only truly effective if supply matches demand and that's why we are also rapidly scaling up production capacity."
"We all recognize that our security is deeply linked and we are all working to bring the war against Ukraine to an end with a just and lasting peace."
"Russia is not alone in this war as China continues to be its decisive enabler and the North Korea also provides support."
"Eastern Century is basically bringing together all the alliance is doing when it comes to the eastern flank..."
"When it comes to the NATO elements of a deal to end the war against Ukraine, that will be dealt with separately and that obviously will include NATO."
"Obviously we want the war to end, but with a sovereign Ukraine and a situation where Russia will never ever try again to attack Ukraine. That's key."
"NATO was founded as a defensive alliance and of course that is not going to change. But having said that, we should at the same time have no doubt that we can and will ensure our security..."
"The Washington summit outcome which clearly stated that is an irreversible path for Ukraine into NATO."
"We have seen now 20,000 Russians a month dying. We have seen enormous losses on the Ukrainian side... This is what President Trump called the meat grinder. It's got to stop."
"But as I said to the last question here from from the Dutch media — it needs two to tango."

Conclusion

The press conference underscored NATO's commitment to strengthening its collective defense, adapting to evolving threats, and supporting Ukraine. Key priorities include increasing defense spending, bolstering industrial production, and coordinating efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. While challenges remain, particularly concerning the peace process and hybrid warfare, NATO allies are demonstrating a united front and a determination to ensure the security of their citizens. The upcoming summit in Ankara is expected to solidify these commitments and outline future strategic directions.