Stoltenberg affirms that Ukraine has to win to be able to join NATO
Date
6/13/2024 5:58:00 AM
(MENAFN) Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, underscored on Wednesday that Ukraine must achieve victory in its ongoing conflict with Russia if it seeks to join the NATO alliance. His remarks were made during a gathering of defense ministers in Brussels, just ahead of NATO's upcoming annual summit in Washington scheduled for July 9-11.
Stoltenberg emphasized the critical need for NATO allies to provide Ukraine with essential military equipment to bolster its defense capabilities and ensure its Sovereignty as an independent nation. He stressed that Ukraine's success in prevailing over Russian aggression is a fundamental prerequisite for any discussions regarding its NATO membership.
Since formally applying to join NATO in September 2022 amidst heightened tensions with Russia, Ukraine has sought accelerated steps toward accession. However, NATO has refrained from setting a definitive timetable or roadmap for Ukraine's membership, citing unresolved conflicts and the need for stability in the region.
Despite NATO's cautious approach, Ukrainian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina, have continued to advocate for concrete assurances and increased military cooperation as part of a comprehensive package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's NATO aspirations.
The comments by Stoltenberg highlight the complexities and geopolitical implications surrounding Ukraine's bid to integrate with NATO, underscoring the alliance's stance on resolving ongoing conflicts as a precondition for membership discussions. As discussions intensify leading up to the NATO summit, Ukraine's strategic alignment and defense capabilities remain pivotal factors shaping future diplomatic and military dynamics in Eastern Europe.
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