NATO approved the deployment of battalion battle groups in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary

The leaders of NATO member states approved the deployment of four battalion battle groups in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. This was announced by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after the end of the extraordinary summit on March 24.

Stoltenberg also announced that the allies will continue to impose a high price on Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.

Leaders have approved additional assistance to Ukraine with military supplies: anti-tank, air defence, drones, as well as significant financial and humanitarian support. Support will be provided for cyber-defence, as well as radiological, chemical and nuclear defence assets.

Stoltenberg reiterated that NATO has a responsibility not to allow the conflict to expand.

He urged China not to provide military and material support to Russia in its war with Ukraine and to join efforts to find a peaceful way out of the crisis.

The leaders have tasked military planners to draw up plans for a possible permanent alliance presence on the Eastern flank, bolstering NATO's defence and deterrence capabilities. The decision will be discussed at the June summit in Madrid.