BRUSSELS, Sha'ban 5, 1435, Jun 3, 2014, SPA -- NATO defense ministers are gathering for the first time since the Ukraine crisis, and top of the agenda is how to react long-term to Russia's challenge, AP reported. The two-day meeting in Brussels, which begins Tuesday, is supposed to help set the stage for the U.S-led alliance's summit meeting in Wales this September. Alliance officials said the ministers will consider longer-term responses, including an action readiness plan, a stepped-up schedule for military exercises and the possibility of additional deployments. The ministers will discuss other topics, including the future of Afghanistan and defense spending. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is attending for the United States. --SPA 12:34 LOCAL TIME 09:34 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w