NATO vows to aid Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes’BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO is determined to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia for “as long as it takes” and will help the war-wracked country transform its armed forces into a modern army up to Western standards, the alliance’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg vowed on Friday.“Allies are providing unprecedented military support, and I expect foreign ministers will also agree to step up non-lethal support.”Stoltenberg said that members of the 30-nation security organization have been delivering fuel, generators, medical supplies, winter equipment and drone jamming devices, but that more will be needed as winter closes in, particularly as Russia attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.“Over the longer term we will help Ukraine transition from Soviet era equipment to modern NATO standards, doctrine and training.”Europe scrambles to help Ukraine keep the heat and lights onRussia steps up missile barrage of recaptured Ukrainian cityGermany, France pledge mutual support to avert energy crunchTrial begins for 2 Swedes charged with spying for RussiaStoltenberg said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would join the ministers to discuss his country’s most pressing needs but also what kind of long-term support that NATO can provide.The Nov 29-30 meeting in Bucharest is being held almost 15 years after NATO promised that Ukraine and Georgia would one day become members of the organization, a pledge that deeply angered Russia.Stoltenberg said the meeting would see NATO “take further steps to help them protect their independence, and strengthen their ability to defend themselves.”Since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion 10 months ago, NATO has bolstered the defenses of allies neighboring Ukraine and Russia but has carefully sought to avoid being dragged into a wider war with a major nuclear power."