The NATO chief noted a positive response to Kyiv's request for a large number of air defense systems. Read also: US preparing $725 million military aid package for Kyiv The issue of providing Kyiv with new air defense systems was a central topic at the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting on the evening of Dec.

Ukraine's air force said it shot down 22 of 28 Russian drones in Moscow's overnight barrage, though acknowledged "several hits on critical infrastructure facilities."

NATO countries will do all they can to provide Ukraine with air defenses necessary to protect its infrastructure but there is no surplus of such systems, Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Dec. 4.

Ukraine insisted Tuesday that NATO membership was the only "real guarantee" for its security as foreign ministers from the alliance looked set to rebuff Kyiv's push for an invite ahead

European NATO allies have been holding eleventh-hour talks about safeguarding their interests under a new administration, especially when it comes to a possible resolution of Russia's war in Ukraine.