NATO okays additional support package for Ukraine

Brussels, June 25 (IANS) NATO foreign ministers Wednesday approved a package of additional support measures to "strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself", an official statement said.

The support package includes the creation of new trust funds to support Ukraine's defence capacity building in critical areas, such as logistics, command and control, cyber defence and to help retired military personnel to adapt to civilian life, Xinhua reported.

After holding talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed support to Ukraine's peace plan. "Ukraine has a clear vision for rebuilding its defense and security sector and a clear strategy for resolving the crisis."

NATO ministers agreed to maintain the suspension of practical civilian and military cooperation with Russia.

"There will be no business as usual with Russia until Russia comes back into line with its international obligations," Rasmussen said.