NATO Promises Air Protection Systems for Ukraine

Russia has launched a new wave of air strikes, hitting several Ukrainian regions, bombing cities, including Kiev. Moscow has said these attacks are a sign of retaliation for the explosion on the bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimea Peninsula.

Vows by allies include France's announcement that it will send radar and air defence systems to Ukraine over the following weeks. Canada also said it would offer artillery and winter clothing and other supplies to Ukrainian soldiers.

Germany has sent the first air defence system type I RIS-T SLM. Berlin will send four such systems to total in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Washington said it would speed up sending promised air systems, NASAMS.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the latest wave of attacks highlights Russia's “mizoriere” since Moscow began the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

Praising Russian President Vladimir Putin's war efforts, he said the Russian leader's actions have unified the international community.

The entire world has again seen Putin's war wickedness and cruelty, which has roots in aggression and that despises the rules of war”, Austin said during the NATO defence ministers' meeting.

Austin told reporters after the Ukraine Contact Group's meeting for Protection that Kiev has changed the moment since September, regaining territory, but added that it needs more help.

NATO ministers will hold meetings even on 13 October and are expected to decide to increase stocks with ammunition and military equipment to strengthen the alliance's defence capacities.

They are also expected to discuss the alliance's capabilities before NATO's annual nuclear exercises, but also the need to better protect critical infrastructure, following recent acts of sabotage.

Aspiring countries for NATO membership, Finland and Sweden have also been invited to the alliance's two-day meeting.