NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the Western defense alliance would stand by Kyiv as long as needed, and that any attack on critical infrastructure for the NATO military alliance would lead to a “united and decisive response.”

At the same time, Stoltenberg said at a press conference that NATO allies are increasing security around key installations after attacks on gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea.

Commenting on veiled threats to use nuclear weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Stoltenberg said that NATO closely monitors Russia’s nuclear forces and has not seen their position. At the same time, NATO will conduct annual nuclear deterrence exercises next week.

“We have not seen any change in Russia’s nuclear posture, but we remain vigilant,” he added.

Last but not least, NATO is in talks with defense companies and allies about how to increase weapons production and replenish supplies that have been depleted to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels this week will make efforts to increase production of weapons and ammunition and take further decisions to maintain the allies’ stockpile levels.

“But of course, as the war in Ukraine continues, this work with industry becomes more and more important,” he said, adding that NATO needs to provide defense companies with recommendations on capability needs.

• We will review our progress in strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence.
• We will further increase the protection of our critical infrastructure following the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines.
• We will strengthen our support in Ukraine.
• So that they could continue to defend themselves and liberate the territory from Russian occupation.
• Ukraine continues to make significant gains.
• While Russia is increasingly resorting to horrific and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure.
• President Putin is failing in Ukraine.
• Its attempts at annexation, partial mobilization and reckless nuclear rhetoric represent the most significant escalation since the war began.
• And it shows that this war is not going as planned.
• NATO is not a party to the conflict, but our support plays a key role.
• Allies remain united in support of Ukrainians for the sovereignty and self-defense of Ukraine.
• I welcome recent announcements by allies to provide Ukraine with advanced air defense systems and other capabilities.
• And I look forward to further deliveries.
• Our message is clear.
• NATO with Ukraine, that’s how long it takes.
• President Putin started this war.
• He must put an end to this by withdrawing his forces from Ukraine.
• And President Lukashenko must stop the complicity of Belarus in this illegal conflict.
• The main purpose of NATO’s nuclear deterrence has always been to maintain peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.
• NATO will hold its long-planned deterrence exercise next week.
• This is a regular training that takes place every year.
• To keep our containment system safe, secure and effective.
• President Putin’s veiled nuclear threats are dangerous and irresponsible.
• Russia knows that a nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought.
• We closely monitor Russia’s nuclear forces. I have not seen any change in Russia’s position.
• But we remain vigilant.
• We will make a decision to increase our stocks of ammunition and equipment.
• Accelerate the provision of opportunities.
• We will also address the protection of our critical infrastructure.
• And following the diversion of the Nord Stream pipelines, we have further increased our vigilance in all areas.
• We have doubled our presence in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.
• On more than 30 ships.
• Allies are also increasing security around key installations.
• We will take additional measures to strengthen our resilience and protect our critical infrastructure.
• Any deliberate attack against Allied critical infrastructure will be met with a united and decisive response.
• Our final session will focus on NATO missions and operations.
• A hard winter awaits us.
• So it is even more important that North America and Europe remain united.
• In support of Ukraine.
• And for the protection of our people.
• Canceling the long-planned nuclear drills could send the wrong signal to Moscow.
• Ukraine needs lethal weapons, artillery, armored vehicles, air defense systems and anti-tank weapons.