NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that fighting around Bakhmut and Soledar shows once again the bravery of Ukrainian forces.

"In recent days, we have seen fierce fighting around Bakhmut and Soledar in eastern Ukraine.This shows once again the bravery of Ukrainian forces as they fight to defend their homeland.It also shows how vital it is that we step up our support, our military support to Ukraine.

I therefore welcome the recent announcements by the United States, France and Germany that they will soon deliver infantry fighting vehicles and light tanksAnd unprecedented support by all NATO allies and EU Member States.Our support makes a real difference on the ground.And at this key juncture of the war, we must do even more, even faster." he said at a briefing together with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen ahead of the meeting at the College of European Commissioners.