Senior NATO officials have warned that Russia is attempting to break the will of the Ukrainian people as the conflict continues, while stressing that Ukraine urgently needs greater support from its allies to withstand ongoing military pressure.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia’s strategy is not limited to battlefield gains but is also aimed at weakening the morale of Ukrainian civilians through sustained attacks and destruction of infrastructure. He said Ukraine has shown resilience despite intense pressure, but its ability to continue resisting depends on consistent international assistance.
Civilian Deaths Continue
Fresh fighting has once again highlighted the human cost of the war. In northeastern Ukraine, a Russian drone strike killed a father and his three young children after the family had recently fled earlier shelling. The children’s pregnant mother survived with injuries. The incident underlined growing concerns over civilian safety as air attacks continue across several regions.
Ammunition Shortages Raise Alarm
NATO officials also pointed to challenges in supplying Ukraine with enough ammunition. A Europe-led initiative to procure artillery shells for Kyiv has reportedly faced funding shortages, raising fears that Ukraine’s defensive capacity could be weakened at a critical stage of the conflict.
Military experts say shortages in artillery and air defence systems could give Russian forces an advantage, especially as Moscow continues to launch drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and power infrastructure.
Call for Unity Among Allies
Alliance leaders reiterated that Europe’s security is directly linked to Ukraine’s survival as an independent nation. They called on NATO members to increase military, financial, and humanitarian assistance, warning that delays or reductions in support could prolong the war.
Officials also stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence network to protect civilians and key facilities from continued aerial attacks.
Ongoing War
The Russia – Ukraine war, which began in 2022, has led to widespread destruction, millions of displaced people and heavy casualties on both sides. Western nations have played a key role in helping Ukraine resist Russian advances, but debates continue within several countries over the scale and duration of support.
NATO leaders maintain that sustained backing for Ukraine remains crucial to prevent further instability in Europe and to counter Russia’s military ambitions.
