Stoltenberg told reporters that the protection of critical infrastructure was a key part of the joint work between NATO and the EU.
He added that, in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s "weaponising of energy and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines," the new task force would focus on making “our critical infrastructure, technology and supply chains more resilient to potential threats and to take action to mitigate potential vulnerabilities."
Stoltenberg also said that Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine "has fundamentally changed our security."
He added that fierce fighting around the towns of Bakhmut and Soledar showed the bravery of Ukrainian forces and the vital importance of stepping up military support to Ukraine, the Western military alliance said on its website.
“At this key juncture in the war, we must do even more, even faster,” Stoltenberg said, as quoted on the nato.int website.
The EU's von der Leyen said in a tweet that "EU and NATO experts will work together to identify threats and vulnerabilities; develop key principles to improve resilience," and "propose mitigating measures and remedial actions."
NATO's Stoltenberg last week warned allies against underestimating Russia and President Vladimir Putin's ambitions amid the war in Ukraine.
Stoltenberg said on New Year's Day that Western countries must be prepared to provide long-term support to Ukraine as Russia's war showed no signs of ending.
He told British broadcaster BBC in an interview that Russia was "prepared to continue the war and also try to potentially launch a new offensive."
In another recent interview, Stoltenberg urged allies to supply more weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russian attacks.
"I call on allies to do more," Stoltenberg said in an interview published in late December by German news agency DPA.
He added that it was especially important that Ukraine receive new supplies of ammunition and spare parts for military equipment.
Stoltenberg said at the time that "military support for Ukraine is the fastest way to peace."
Wednesday is day 322 of Russia's war in Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, nato.int
