NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the Alliance has provided Ukraine with air defense systems, but if we are talking about specific capabilities, then this should be a decision of the national government. He said this at a press conference before the meeting of the heads of foreign affairs of NATO countries in Bucharest next week, answering a question about Poland's offer addressed to Germany to move Patriot air defense batteries to Ukraine.
"I welcome the German proposal to strengthen Poland's air defenses by deploying Patriot batteries in Poland after last week's tragic incident that claimed two lives," Stoltenberg said.
He recalled that the Alliance had increased its presence on the eastern flank, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February.
"We have increased our presence by increasing battle groups, the number of troops on the ground, in addition, there has been an increase in air and sea presence and this also includes air defense systems, aircraft, air defense systems like Patriot. In addition, we have provided air defense systems to Ukraine, including modern systems," said the Secretary General.
He said that at next week's meeting, he will convince the allies to increase their support for Ukraine, not only by providing air defense.
"But specific decisions regarding specific capacities remain national decisions," Stoltenberg said.