NATO Defence Ministers have completed two days of meetings in Brussels, addressing the Alliance’s defence plans and operations. They also met with their Israeli counterpart, where Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant briefed them on the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians. Condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Israel has the right to defend itself and that protecting civilians is essential as the conflict unfolds. He also emphasised that no nation or organisation hostile to Israel should attempt to take advantage of or escalate the conflict.
On the Western Balkans, Mr Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO had deployed additional troops to Kosovo to support KFOR in fulfilling its UN mandate impartially. He urged Belgrade and Pristina to behave responsibly, avoid destabilising actions, and re-engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue. In Bosnia, NATO continues to support the EU-led operation Althea, which is pivotal in maintaining regional stability. NATO’s mission in Iraq is evolving to provide more support to the Iraqi security forces.
Allies discussed the next steps in operationalising NATO’s new defence plans, including assigning forces, developing new capabilities, and adjusting command and control. Mr Stoltenberg also noted that NATO would begin its long-planned nuclear exercise “Steadfast Noon” next week, sending a clear message that NATO will protect and defend all Allies.
Ministers also addressed damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Allies strongly supported Estonia and Finland and promised to establish the facts. Secretary General Stoltenberg stated that NATO would provide a united and determined response if the incident was a deliberate attack.
On 11 October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Allies and partners in the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Allies assured President Zelenskyy that they would sustain and step up military aid to Kyiv as it braces for another wartime winter. Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov updated Allies on the battlefield and the country’s most pressing needs during the first NATO-Ukraine Council at the ministerial level.
