NATO and EU need to step up and provide more funding to Ukraine - Stoltenberg
Photo: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (Getty Images)
NATO and EU allies need to step up ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and provide more funding for Ukraine, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg makes the statement at a joint press conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic. He thanks Montenegro for supporting Ukraine, including through NATO's comprehensive assistance package.
"All political leaders must work to preserve unity. This is crucial for the stability of the country and the region," the Alliance Secretary-General says.
He emphasizes that Russia's war against Ukraine is approaching two years. Stoltenberg adds that Ukraine's allies must step up.
"But NATO Allies and the European Union need to step up and provide even more funding for Ukraine at this critical time," Stoltenberg says.
According to the Secretary-General, if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wins in Ukraine, there is a real risk that he will use force again.
Ukraine's path to NATO
As a reminder, on September 30, 2022, Ukraine applied for NATO membership under an accelerated 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 would not be able to join the Alliance until active hostilities end.
Ukraine received recommendations for accession from NATO. This was the result of the NATO-Ukraine Council, which met in Brussels on November 29. The recommendations relate to the initial reforms needed to join the Alliance.
