NATO to boost aid to Ukraine amidst Russia's continuous assaults Stoltenberg speaks in Vilnius

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the Alliance is monitoring the situation in Russia and the events over the weekend are an internal Russian matter, and yet another demonstration of the big strategic mistake that President Putin made with his illegal annexation of Crimea and the war against Ukraine.

"As Russia continues its assault, it is even more important to continue our support to Ukraine," he said during a meeting with Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda in Vilnius on June 26, according to the NATO press service.

Stoltenberg also condemned Russia's announcement about deploying nuclear weapons to Belarus, calling it "reckless and irresponsible", adding "We don't see any indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons, but NATO remains vigilant. If Russia thinks it can intimidate us from supporting Ukraine, it will fail."

Stoltenberg and Nausėda discussed final preparations for the Vilnius Summit, which will take place on 11 and 12 July.

This includes a multi-year package of assistance and upgraded political ties with Ukraine, as well as reinforcing Allied deterrence and defence – with new regional plans, and a rotational model for air and missile defence. Allies will also agree on a more ambitious defence investment pledge with 2 per cent of GDP as a floor, not a ceiling.

Later on June 26, the two leaders will attend exercise Griffin Storm, which will test reinforcing the German-led NATO battlegroup in Lithuania up to brigade size.