Nato vows to help Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes’

"What happens at the negotiating table depends on what happens on the battlefield. Therefore, the best way to increase the chances for a peaceful solution is to support Ukraine," said Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg.

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press conference at the Nato headquarters in Brussels (Olivier Matthys/AP)

Nato is determined to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia for “as long as it takes” and will help the war-wracked country transform its armed forces into a modern army up to western standards, the alliance’s secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg vowed.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Romania next week, Mr Stoltenberg urged countries that want to – either individually or in groups – to keep providing air defence systems and other weapons to Ukraine.