NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss further military assistance to Ukraine. Ministers from the 30 member states are joined by representatives from non-NATO countries also aiding Ukraine. Speaking ahead of the summit, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that an anticipated Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine has already begun. He says Ukraine's backers are in a logistical race to supply it with weapons and ammunition.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin earlier gave the opening remarks at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, whose dozens of members coordinate military assistance to Kyiv.