Stoltenberg outlines key topics for Ukraine-NATO Council meeting
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (Getty Images)
Ukraine-NATO Council meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation. Foreign ministers of NATO states will also discuss improving the framework of assistance to Ukraine, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Before the Council meeting, Stoltenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made several statements. Shortly after, a meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO members takes place.
Stoltenberg reiterates the idea that supporting Ukraine is not charity but an investment in Alliance security. He also says that the parties will discuss how to strengthen cooperation and "how we can move you towards membership in NATO."
As he added, ministers will discuss how to step up support for Ukraine and create "a more robust predictable framework for support."
During his opening remarks at the meeting, Stoltenberg stressed that today's themes would be Ukraine's practical needs.
He notes it is crucial now to increase efforts, not to reduce them. Today, NATO will reflect on Ukraine's practical needs to understand where strengthening is needed. They have agreed on specific measures within Ukraine's roadmap to NATO membership.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba traveled to Brussels, where foreign ministers of NATO countries met on April 3-4. Today, the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting is scheduled.
Background
Politico, citing European and American officials, reported that the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein format) may be transferred under NATO control. A final decision is expected at the NATO leaders' summit in Washington in July.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that NATO seeks ways to provide a more reliable basis for the Ramstein format and other initiatives. This will help ensure long-term assistance to Ukraine. However, he did not disclose the details of the initiative.
