"Ukraine's future lies in NATO, but the priority now is for Ukraine to assert itself as a sovereign and independent state. Otherwise, there is no way to discuss membership," Jens Stoltenberg said. "We need to make sure that when this war ends, there are credible agreements for Ukraine's security so that Russia cannot rearm and attack again and the cycle of Russian aggression is broken."NATO will adopt an aid package at the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, intended to bring Ukraine up to NATO standards over several years and intensify political ties to "bring Ukraine closer to NATO," Stoltenberg announced.
NATO needs Ukraine as an ally, not just a privileged partner, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister says
“We all want this war to end. But for peace to be sustainable, it must be just. Peace cannot mean freezing the conflict and accepting a deal dictated by Russia,” Stoltenberg concluded.NATO Summit to be held on 11-12 July 2023. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is invited to the NATO summit in Vilnius and plans to visit it in person. Related:
- Ukraine must win war to join NATO, Stoltenberg says
- Record-high 86% of Ukrainians support country's accession to NATO, poll shows
- Poland calls for Ukraine's admission into NATO, France and Germany are cautious
- Unresolved territorial issues should not prevent Ukraine from joining NATO - NYT
- Support for easing Ukraine's path to NATO grows among alliance members
- EU security is under threat without Ukraine in NATO
- "Ukraine can anticipate a very robust package" of support at NATO Summit - Blinken
- Cleverly makes surprise visit to Kyiv, meets with Zelenskyy, discusses NATO summit, Ukraine peace formula, reconstruction
