"This spring and summer, they (Russian forces, — ed.) have tried again to launch an offensive — but so far have achieved only marginal success", Stoltenberg said.

He said NATO has no indication or reason to believe Russia has the capabilities or forces for "major breakthroughs". At the same time, the alliance said Russia will continue to increase pressure on Ukraine and conduct airstrikes in Ukraine.

"But we see that the Ukrainians have been able to hold the front line. They have been able to continue to inflict heavy losses on the Russian occupiers — both along the front line and with strikes deep into Russian territory", Stoltenberg added.

• Jens Stoltenberg stated that NATO is discussing Ukraine's accession ahead of the summit and suggested "a good deal".