Extraordinary NATO summit on the war in Ukraine

NATO leaders discussed, in Brussels, new response measures to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The group gathered for a traditional "family photo" before the meeting, considered one of the most important in the Alliance's history, as the war in Ukraine enters its second month.

The head of the organization, Jens Stoltenberg, says it is the worst security crisis in a generation and expects Allied leaders to agree to accelerate investment in defense.

The President of Ukraine addressed the summit via video link. Volodymyr Zelensky had already called for solidarity and called for protests against Russia around the world.

In his turn, President Klaus Iohannis gave assurances that Romanians have nothing to fear.

NATO will further strengthen its presence on the eastern flank, from Slovakia to Bulgaria.

President Klaus Iohannis said that NATO has approved the group that will be positioned in Romania.

It is a fighting group that we have called for, said Klaus Iohannis, who welcomed NATO's decision.

At the same time, the head of state pleaded for the consolidation of the Alliance's eastern flank and mentioned that we must be aware of where the aggression comes from. The aggressor is Russia and there is still a need to strengthen the defense on the eastern flank. On the other hand, Klaus Iohannis emphasized, once again, that no Romanian should be afraid in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.

Klaus Iohannis: We are part of the largest, strongest defense alliance that has ever existed. Our soldiers are well prepared. So, I can say with all my heart, as they say, that Romania is not in danger. Romanians are safe, through our armed forces and through NATO.

Reporter: At the same time, the head of state, Klaus Iohannis, recalled that chemical weapons are banned and expressed the hope that the signatories of the international treaties that mention this will respect their commitment. Prior to the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated the idea that the Alliance's leaders would focus on supporting Ukraine and said that NATO had intensified its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance.

Jens Stoltenberg: NATO's main goal is to protect and defend our allies. We have supplemented our military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. Today, NATO leaders will address the need to reset our long-term defense and deterrence stance, and the first step is to establish four new fighting groups in the eastern part of the alliance, in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. We need to do more, and therefore we need to invest more. It is a new priority and I expect leaders to agree to accelerate investment in defense, in response to our commitment to invest more. I welcome the fact that several allies have already announced additional defense investments.

Reporter: We are the strongest alliance in the world, and as long as we remain united, we are all safe, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

EU leaders also met to discuss political, financial and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

The European Council's agenda also included the Ukrainian refugee crisis and Europe's energy security, amid measures to reduce dependence on Russia.

Translated by: Radu Matei