In a significant show of support, Jens Stoltenberg, the chief of NATO, declared on Thursday that Ukraine’s future lies with the Western military alliance, during his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion 14 months ago.
“Let me be clear: Ukraine’s rightful place is in the euro-Atlantic family. Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO. And over time, our support will help you to make this possible,” Stoltenberg emphasized during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv.
Stoltenberg went on to pledge continued military support for Ukraine, revealing that NATO allies had already trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops and provided a staggering 65 billion euros ($71.31 billion) in military aid alone.
“NATO stands with you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes,” Stoltenberg declared, underlining the unwavering commitment of the alliance to Ukraine’s security. He also extended an invitation to President Zelenskiy to attend the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, signaling further cooperation between Ukraine and the military alliance.
Stoltenberg’s visit to Ukraine comes at a critical time, as the country continues to face aggression from Russia. The invasion by Russia 14 months ago has led to ongoing tensions in the region, with Ukraine seeking support from the international community to defend its sovereignty.
The statement by NATO’s chief is a significant boost for Ukraine, reaffirming the alliance’s support and commitment to the country’s security. As Ukraine looks towards the future, the prospect of joining NATO is seen as a crucial step in ensuring its defense and stability.
President Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude for NATO’s support, stating that Ukraine remains committed to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and appreciates the assistance provided by the alliance. He also welcomed the invitation to the NATO summit in July as a testament to the strengthening ties between Ukraine and NATO.
The visit by Stoltenberg and his unequivocal support for Ukraine’s future in NATO sends a clear message to Russia and the international community that Ukraine’s security is a priority for the Western military alliance. As the situation in the region continues to evolve, Ukraine’s alignment with NATO is likely to remain a key topic of discussion in the coming months.
