On 12 January, an extraordinary meeting of NATO–Ukraine Council in the format of the Political Affairs Committee was held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The meeting was convened at the request of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO in response to recent massive Russian attacks against Ukraine, including Russia’s use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko, Deputy Minister of Defence Serhiy Boyev, and Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak joined the meeting online.

Ukrainian representatives briefed Allies on the current security situation and the Russian Federation’s systematic attacks against Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. They stressed that these actions are aimed at causing a humanitarian catastrophe during the winter period by depriving the civilian population of electricity, water, and heating. The officials underlined that the situation in the energy sector remains extremely difficult and that Ukraine urgently requires additional means to protect it, in particular through the strengthening of air defence.

Addressing the participants, Oleksandr Mishchenko thanked Allies for their support and called for its further strengthening, emphasizing that resolute international assistance is the most effective response to Russian attacks, which must not go unpunished.

For his part, Serhiy Boyev noted that throughout 2025 the Russian Federation has significantly increased the number of missiles and drones used in its attacks against Ukraine. According to him, this is a clear indication that Russia is pursuing a course aimed solely at further escalation. He also emphasized that Russia’s use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile near NATO borders is yet another manifestation of its aggressive policy and its complete lack of willingness to pursue peace.

The Deputy Minister of Defence outlined in detail Ukraine’s urgent needs for missiles for air defence systems, in particular Patriot and NASAMS, and urged Allies to invest in the PURL programme and the development of defence production, especially in the field of interceptor drones.

Roman Andarak informed the participants about the measures Ukraine is taking to ensure the stable functioning of its energy system and outlined priority needs for equipment to protect, repair, and restore damaged energy infrastructure facilities, as well as to enhance their resilience.

For their part, Allies strongly condemned the Russian attacks as acts of blatant terror against the Ukrainian civilian population and reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and their readiness to provide the necessary assistance.

Source: MFA