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NATO Secretary General following Ukraine-NATO Commission meeting: Ukraine's future in Euro-Atlantic family
BUSSELS. April 5 (Interfax-Ukraine) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirms that the alliance’s open door policy remains unchanged, and Ukraine’s future is in the Euro-Atlantic family, support in the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine will be provided for as long as it takes.
He said this in Brussels on Tuesday, commenting on the results of the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, which has been held for the first time since 2017. As it is known, the reason for this was the Hungarian veto.
“Allies made clear that we remain committed to NATO’s Open Door policy. We encourage Ukraine to continue on the path of reforms, even in difficult times. We discussed the importance of anti-corruption measures, the rule of law, and the rights of minorities. A strong, independent Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area. And we look forward to meeting President Zelenskyy at our Vilnius Summit in July. NATO will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Ukraine’s future is in the Euro-Atlantic family,” he said.
The Secretary General reiterated that NATO’s position on membership has not changed. “Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance. At the same time, we all realize that for, to make any meaningful progress on this issue. The first step is to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation. And that’s the reason why NATO Allies and partners are providing unprecedented level of support. And we’ll continue to do so,” Stoltenberg said.
According to him, in addition to the issue of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, during the meeting of the Commission, the ministers also discussed “Russia’s brutal war of aggression and support of Ukraine.” “The people of Ukraine continue to defend their country with skill and bravery. And we will continue to support them for as long as it takes. NATO Allies have delivered close to EUR 150 billion of support, including EUR 65 billion of military aid. But there is no room for complacency. President Putin has not changed course in Ukraine. Our meeting today underscored NATO’s enduring commitment to Ukraine. Allies are ramping up the production of weapons and ammunition. And delivering on their pledges of training and new heavy weaponry,” the Secretary General said.
According to him, and as agreed at the Madrid summit, the allies also provide urgent non-lethal assistance through the Ukraine-NATO fund, which includes fuel, medical supplies, mobile satellite systems and pontoon bridges.
“I welcome that ministers have made more announcements today [regarding Ukraine’s support]. And I expect more in the coming days and months. Building on this, we will develop a multi-year support initiative for Ukraine to help ensure Ukraine’s deterrence and defence, make the transition from Soviet-era equipment and doctrines to NATO standards, and increase interoperability with NATO. This demonstrates our long-term commitment to Ukraine and brings Ukraine closer to the Euro-Atlantic family,” Stoltenberg said.
