Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Rob Bauer said that the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine will determine the fate of the world.

"In 2024, a record 2 billion people in the world will vote in democratic elections. And yet the concept of democracy needs to be defended more than ever. The Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are doing so in a way we have never seen before. In the darkness of war they are a beacon of light showing the world what it means to fight for what you believe in. Today is the 693rd day of what Russia considered the ‘Three Day War.’ Ukraine will have our support every day after that because the outcome of this war will determine the fate of the world," the NATO admiral said before the start of a meeting of the Military Committee at the level of chiefs of defense in Brussels.

Bauer indicated that at the last session the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of commanders-in-chief and chiefs of general staff would take place.

“We will hear updates from our Ukrainian partners and discuss the current situation, while reaffirming our continued support for Ukraine,” he said.

Discussing the new defense plans, Admiral Bauer said: "These are the most comprehensive defense plans NATO has had since the end of the Cold War. Never before have NATO and national defense plans been so closely linked."

Concluding his opening remarks, Admiral Bauer focused on NATO's cooperation with partners, noting that in more dangerous times, close cooperation and increased interoperability are paramount.