On Thursday, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg pledged continued support for war-torn Ukraine on his first visit to Kyiv since Russia’s “special military operation” began over a year ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Stoltenberg that it was time to offer Ukraine membership in the US-led military alliance, and requested additional weaponry, such as bombers, artillery, and armoured vehicles to combat Russia.
Overview
Stoltenberg’s visit to Kyiv is critical amid Russia’s almost 14-month invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in millions displaced, thousands of deaths, the destruction of several cities, and a crippled Ukrainian economy.
During a joint press conference with Zelensky, the NATO chief stated, “Russian atrocities continue against the Ukrainian people today, and those responsible must be held to account.” He affirmed that “NATO stands with [Ukraine] today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.”
❝Ukraine’s rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family.
— NATO (@NATO) April 20, 2023
Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO.
Over time, our support will help you make this possible.❞@jensstoltenberg | #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦
Stoltenberg mentioned that NATO countries had trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, and contributed more than 150 billion euros in assistance to Ukraine since March 2022, including 65 billion euros in military aid. He added that this assistance has helped Ukrainian forces to drive Russia out of Kyiv, Kherson, and Kharkiv.
Zelensky Requests Expedited NATO Accession, Long-Range Weapons
Ukraine filed for NATO membership in September 2022, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed unlawful acquisition of four partially occupied Ukrainian areas. However, with the ongoing war and judicial reforms pending, Ukraine’s chances of joining the 31-member alliance any time soon look bleak.
At the press conference, Zelensky stated that the majority of NATO members and Ukrainians support the need for membership. It is time to make the necessary decisions and help Ukraine join NATO, emphasising that it is the only way to boost European security and that there is “no objective barrier.”
"It is time to make the appropriate decision," Zelensky said, speaking at a press conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg Thursday.https://t.co/rBsnbqlVTW
— The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) April 21, 2023
Zelensky requested Stoltenberg to provide a timeframe and outline concrete initiatives required to expedite the membership process. He also emphasised that Ukraine needs security assurances from the alliance regardless of when it becomes a member.
He also urged the NATO chief to convince some hesitant partners to supply Ukraine with more long-range weapons, modern aircraft, artillery, and armoured vehicles.
The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for his invitation to the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July, and believed it could become “historic.”
Russia’s Response
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that one of the objectives of Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine remains unchanged — stopping Ukraine from joining NATO.
Peskov stressed that Ukraine’s accession to NATO would constitute a “serious, significant threat to our country, to our country’s security.”