(Dan Tri) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that he cannot estimate when Ukraine will become a member of the alliance, but that time will come.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a press conference in Kiev on April 29 (Photo: Reuters).
`Ukraine’s future is in NATO. And Ukraine will become a member of NATO,` NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced in a speech during his visit to Ukraine’s capital Kiev on April 29.
Mr. Stoltenberg affirmed that Ukraine has every right to become a member of NATO.
The NATO leader’s statement received applause from Ukrainian parliamentarians.
`I cannot tell you when Ukraine will join. But the work we are doing together, including reform and fighting corruption, will lead you on an irreversible path to joining.
`My ambition is that together we will make Ukraine so strong and prepared that when the time is right, Ukraine will become an immediate NATO member. I look forward to that day,` he said.
In his speech, Mr. Stoltenberg also expressed respect for Ukrainian soldiers who fought to stop Russia’s military campaign, and emphasized that Ukraine’s struggle is important for the whole
Previously, Mr. Stoltenberg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Mr. Stoltenberg also emphasized that it is important that allies do not delay providing aid to Ukraine and that if Russia is successful in Ukraine, the West will have to spend more on its defense.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kiev with the NATO Secretary General, President Zelensky said that small quantities of important US weapons are starting to be delivered to Ukraine but emphasized that Washington needs to accelerate the transfer.
The United States approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine last week, ending six months of deadlock in Congress and raising hopes in Kiev that its critically low ammunition stockpile will soon recover.
Ukraine has long pursued the goal of becoming a member of the U.S.-led military coalition.
Kiev became even more enthusiastic about this goal after the conflict with Russia broke out two years ago.
If admitted, Ukraine will be guaranteed security according to Article 5 of NATO’s collective defense.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it does not accept Ukraine joining NATO under any circumstances and considers this a threat to Russia’s national security.