NATO pledges more support to Kyiv amid paralysing infrastructure attacks

"We will continue and further step up political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity...and will maintain our support for as long as necessary," the statement noted. Foreign minister also confirmed a 2008 NATO summit decision hat Ukraine will eventually become a member of the alliance.

NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday pledged to step up support to Ukraine and help repair its energy infrastructure amid a wave of Russian attacks that have repeatedly knocked out power supplies and heating for millions of Ukrainians. "Russia's aggression, including its persistent and unconscionable attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure, is depriving millions of Ukrainians of basic human services," the foreign ministers said in a statement after a first day of talks in Bucharest.

They condemned what they called Russia's cruelty against Ukraine's civilians and promised to assist the country as it repairs its energy infrastructure. "We will continue and further step up political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity...and will maintain our support for as long as necessary," the statement noted.

Foreign minister also confirmed a 2008 NATO summit decision hat Ukraine will eventually become a member of the alliance. Since then, however, leaders have not taken any concrete steps such as giving Kyiv a membership action plan that would lay out a timetable for bringing the country closer to NATO.