Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers: Ukraine Already Contributing to European Security, Bringing It Closer to Alliance Membership

Ukraine is defending itself against Russian aggression and is already making its contribution to European security, so it deserves to become the 33rd member of the North Atlantic Alliance.

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels yesterday.

‘Ukraine deserves to become the 33rd member of the Alliance one day, and we must do everything to make it happen. That is why the first fundamental point in the Victory Plan is dedicated to NATO. Ukraine has demonstrated that it can defend common values and deter Russia, which is the greatest threat to Europe and global peace,’ Zelenskyy said.

In turn, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that NATO is working with Ukraine, bringing it closer to membership in the Alliance.

‘NATO is working with Ukraine to bring you closer to the Alliance. And we are also working with other partners to strengthen security for all of us,’ he said.

Rutte added that he looks forward to the day when ‘Ukraine will be here as a member of this Alliance. And until then, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure Ukraine's victory. This is vital for our common security.’