NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has revealed that important decisions regarding Ukraine will be made at the upcoming summit on 11-12 July 2023 in Vilnius. Stoltenberg outlined three key elements that will be included in the package for Ukraine.
Firstly, Allied leaders will agree on a multi-year assistance program aimed at ensuring full interoperability between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and NATO. This program will enhance Ukraine’s capabilities and strengthen its cooperation with the Alliance.
Secondly, the summit will focus on renewing political ties between Ukraine and NATO by establishing a NATO-Ukraine Council. This step will further deepen the partnership and enhance cooperation on various strategic issues.
Lastly, Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations. This unity will contribute to bringing Ukraine closer to its goal of becoming a NATO member in the future. The Alliance will also provide support to Ukraine in transitioning from Soviet-era equipment and standards to those of NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged US President Joe Biden to invite Ukraine to join NATO, even if it occurs after the ongoing conflict. The Lithuanian President, Gitanas Nausėda, expressed optimism that the NATO summit in Vilnius will yield commitments that will not disappoint Ukrainians.
The decisions made at the NATO summit regarding Ukraine will have significant implications for Ukraine’s security and its aspirations for closer integration with NATO.
