The use of such weapons could ‘fundamentally change’ the conflict and could also affect NATO countries, Stoltenberg reiterates before the arrival of the leaders of the 30 member states. But he declined to say whether the military alliance would consider it an attack in itself if they felt the effects of an attack in Ukraine.
NATO does not want to get involved in the war, but NATO countries will look at how they can further help Ukraine to defend itself, Stoltenberg says. With “advanced anti-aircraft defenses” for example. Putin “underestimated the courage of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian armed forces.” Russian troops are also meeting much more resistance than Moscow expected, according to observers.
NATO leaders will also express support on Thursday for countries such as Georgia, with whom NATO also works but who feel threatened by Russia, Stoltenberg expects.