In Vilnius Summit, New Assistance Package for Ukraine Will Be Adopted - Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has promised further assistance to Ukraine in the modernization of its Armed Forces - a corresponding decision will be adopted at the summit in Vilnius.
This was reported by Handelsblatt.
"During the summit, the Allies will adopt a multi-year assistance package that will allow Ukraine to bring its Armed Forces up to NATO standards," he said. According to Stoltenberg, thanks to this assistance, the Ukrainian military "will make the transition from an army based on the old Soviet model to a modern military force that operates according to NATO standards." In this context, he also noted the counteroffensive of Ukrainian forces on the frontlines. "We see how Ukraine is reclaiming territories after several months of training and equipping its army. But the terrain is complex, and the Russian army has created strong defensive positions, including minefields and anti-tank obstacles. It is challenging for Ukrainians to move forward, so our support is crucial," stated the NATO Secretary General. The North Atlantic Alliance Summit will take place in Vilnius on July 11-12.
As reported by The Gaze, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, for the first time, a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council will be held, within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which will take place on July 11-12 in Vilnius.
The new format will replace the existing Ukraine-NATO Commission. The last meeting of the Commission took place on June 15 this year after a more than six-year hiatus caused by Hungary's blockade. It is expected that the new format will ensure Ukraine's equality with other allies within the Alliance and expand opportunities for consultations and decision-making on "common interest" issues. "If NATO countries agree to establish the Ukraine-NATO Council, it will essentially mean that 32 equal members will sit at one table. It will also be a decision-making body... It will be a structure for much deeper cooperation. It will reflect a very strong strengthening of the political partnership between Ukraine and NATO allies," stated Jens Stoltenberg.
Previously, Stoltenberg stated that NATO members will send a strong message of support and solidarity to Ukraine, which will provide a clear signal that Ukraine's future lies in NATO."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, emphasized that Ukraine expects to receive a "clear schedule for accession" after the summit. Kuleba stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has begun to undermine the security order in Europe that was formed after the Second World War. Therefore, the stakes are high not only for Ukraine but also for the EU.
"For this, we need to acknowledge the inevitable: Ukraine will join NATO, and it will happen sooner rather than later. It is time for the Alliance to stop searching for excuses and start the process that will lead to Ukraine's accession. This will demonstrate to Putin that he has already failed and will compel him to restrain his ambitions," the minister stated.
Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine needs clear security guarantees from the West. In his customary address, he hinted at important decisions regarding Ukraine's security at the Vilnius NATO Summit.