Jens Stoltenberg confirms that NATO is developing new format of assistance to Ukraine

He said this before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"We must stand firm in our support for Ukraine. I welcome the fact that the allies are the largest contributors of weapons, ammunition and equipment. But Ukraine has urgent needs. Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield," the NATO Secretary General said.

At the same time, Stoltenberg stressed that the Alliance must guarantee stable and predictable support for Ukraine so that Allies rely more on NATO's commitments rather than voluntary contributions.

"We need to shift the dynamics of our support - we need to guarantee reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long term, so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments, less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges. Ministers will therefore discuss how NATO can take on more responsibility for coordinating the delivery of military equipment and training to Ukraine, anchored in a credible NATO framework. We will also discuss multi-year financial commitments to sustain our assistance," explained Stoltenberg.

• On April 2, it was reported that the United States was discussing with its allies the possibility of transferring coordination of the contact group on Ukraine's defence to NATO in the event of a second Donald Trump presidency.