Extraordinary NATO leaders' summit on war in Ukraine begins in Brussels

By Selen Temizer

BRUSSELS (AA) – An extraordinary meeting of NATO heads of state and government began Thursday in Brussels to discuss the alliance’s response to Russia's war on Ukraine.

The leaders of member states held various bilateral meetings at NATO headquarters ahead of the summit and are expected to continue.

NATO's long-term stance in Eastern Europe is also expected to be evaluated at the meeting as well as a response to Russia's war on Ukraine, which entered its second month on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters on the way to the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that if Russia deployed chemical weapons in the war it would mean a “catastrophe for the people of Ukraine” and involve “widespread and severe consequences.”

At least 977 civilians have been killed so far in Ukraine and 1,594 injured, according to UN estimates, while warning that that true toll is likely much higher.

Over 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, with million more displaced internally according to the UN refugee agency.