It is important to show solidarity with Ukraine not only in words but also in deeds - Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
NATO countries must be prepared for potential new attacks from Russia. Therefore, it is important that our solidarity with Ukraine is not only demonstrated in words, but also in deeds, said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during a joint press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba before the Ukraine-NATO Council.
"Today we will have a historic meeting. The first meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council at the level of foreign ministers. This meeting demonstrates that Ukraine is moving closer to NATO, and during our meeting, we also discuss how to support your path to membership," he said.
Stoltenberg emphasized that all allies agree that Ukraine should become a member of the Alliance. Now it is necessary to discuss the way forward, reforms, and how to help Ukraine implement these reforms.
According to the NATO Secretary-General, urgent needs of the Ukrainian army and the situation on the battlefield will also be addressed.
Stoltenberg said that Russia shouldn't be underestimated and that new attacks may come.
"Therefore, it is important that our solidarity with Ukraine is not only demonstrated in words, but also in deeds," he added
Ukraine's path to NATO
On September 30, 2022, it became known that Ukraine had applied for NATO membership under an expedited procedure. Ukraine expected to receive an invitation to join NATO during the summer summit in Vilnius, but this did not happen.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Ukraine cannot join the Alliance until active combat operations cease.
Today, the Ukraine-NATO Council is taking place in Brussels at the level of foreign ministers, with expectations that recommendations regarding NATO membership will be given to Ukraine.
