Stoltenberg: Decisions in Vilnius will bring Ukraine closer to NATO

The decisions that NATO member states will make at the summit in Vilnius in July will bring Ukraine closer to the Alliance.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The Alliance Secretary General noted that the Vilnius Summit in July will set out a vision for Ukraine's future as an independent, democratic member of the Euro-Atlantic family.

At the summit, Allies will discuss Ukraine's aspirations for membership. The Allies are working on a multi-year assistance package for Ukraine, as well as the creation of a new NATO-Ukraine Council to hold joint consultations on security issues of mutual interest.

"The decisions we will take in Vilnius will bring Ukraine closer to NATO," he stated.

According to Stoltenberg, the world is currently facing the most challenging security environment in a generation due to Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine.

"Ukraine has the right to liberate its own land. And a counteroffensive is now underway. The more land the Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger their hand will eventually be at the negotiating table," he emphasized.

Stoltenberg emphasized that everyone wants this war to end. At the same time, a just peace cannot mean freezing the conflict and accepting an agreement dictated by Russia.

NATO is not a party to the conflict, but supports Ukraine's right to self-defense, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 19/06/2023