Stoltenberg: Ukraine decides when to start negotiations with Russia

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, commenting on speculation about possible reasons for the US skepticism about Ukraine's membership, stressed that it is up to Kyiv to decide when and how to conduct peace talks with Russia.

Stoltenberg said this at a press conference on Wednesday following the NATO summit in Vilnius, a Yevropeiska Pravda correspondent reports.

The NATO Secretary General recalled the decisions of the summit, calling them "the strongest signal ever for Ukraine and its membership," in particular in terms of long-term practical support, the creation of the NATO-Ukraine Council, and the abolition of the Membership Action Plan.

"As for the negotiations, they will take place only when Ukraine is ready to negotiate. And as I have repeatedly said, 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,'" Stoltenberg emphasized.

"What we know for sure is this: the more military assistance we provide to Ukraine, the more territory it will liberate and the stronger its position at the negotiating table will be. That is why we are continuing this," he added.

Author - Olena Madiak, 12/07/2023