War not at stalemate - but Ukraine needs more support, NATO chief says

NATO's secretary-general insists the Ukraine conflict is "a war of attrition" but has not reached a stalemate.

However, Kyiv urgently needs further supplies of air defences, including ammunition, spare parts and maintenance for the systems the Ukrainian military already has, Jens Stoltenberg said to reporters in New York, SkyNews reports.

"We see that air defence is saving lives every day in Ukraine," he said. 

He cited recent Ukrainian gains in its counteroffensive as evidence a stalemate had not been reached - and urged the West to continue its military, humanitarian and financial aid to country. 

"If we want an end to the war, if we want a just and lasting peace, then military support to Ukraine is the right way," Mr Stoltenberg said. 

"We are ready for the long haul," he said.

"Not because we are able to predict exactly how long this war will last, but because we need to send a message that President Putin cannot wait us out."