NATO will increase support for Ukraine, Russia's intimidation does not work - NATO Deputy Secretary General 

The NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană made a statement in a special video address to the Kyiv Security Forum.

"I also expect the 2022 Strategic Concept to reaffirm the decisions we took back at the 2008 Bucharest Summit, and all subsequent decisions, with respect to Ukraine, and also Georgia," he said.

"Intimidation does not work. NATO’s door remains open," said Mircea Geoană.

He stressed that Russia must withdraw all its troops and equipment and "cease imposing its rule on a free and independent nation."

"With our support, Ukraine can prevail. It must prevail," Geoană said.

The NATO Deputy Secretary General said that some allies in the framework of bilateral cooperation have already committed to provide additional weapons to Ukraine, and expressed the expectation that NATO leaders at the summit in Madrid will support an enhanced comprehensive package of assistance to Ukraine.

"It is composed of concrete projects to assist in the short term, including with anti-drone equipment, secure communications and fuel," said Mircea Geoană.

At the same time, he stressed that NATO will focus on long-term support for Ukraine.

"For example, we will help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era military equipment to modern NATO equipment to boost interoperability. And we will further strengthen Ukraine’s resilience, as well as its defences in capabilities and security institutions across the board," Mircea Geoană said.