“Ukraine will join NATO. It is not a question of if, but of when,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared in a video statement released on Saturday, the second anniversary of Russia’s all-out assault on Ukraine.
“Today, we mark two years since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. Starting the biggest war in Europe since World War Two. Let me begin by honouring all those brave Ukrainians who have fallen or been wounded in defence of their homeland,” Stoltenberg began.
“The situation on the battlefield remains extremely serious. President Putin’s aim to dominate Ukraine has not changed. And there are no indications that he is preparing for peace,” the NATO Secretary General assessed.
He appealed, however, not to fall short.
“Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable skill and fierce determination again and again. Ukraine did not collapse in weeks, as many feared it would. You have recaptured half of the territory seized by Russia. Pushed Russia back from large parts of the Black Sea. And inflicted heavy losses on the Russian forces,” Stoltenberg enumerated.
“Above all, Ukraine retains its freedom and independence. This has been made possible by your courage and resolve. Enabled by major military and economic support from NATO Allies. Just in the past days and weeks, NATO Allies have announced new packages of aid worth billions of dollars. These cover key capabilities like artillery ammunition, air defence, and combat boats. As well as F-16 equipment and spare parts, drones, and demining equipment. More support is on the way,” Stoltenberg assured.
He recalled that Vladimir Putin started the war because he wanted to close the door to NATO for Ukraine, but achieved the exact opposite.
“Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before. We are helping to make your forces more and more interoperable with Allies. We will open a new Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre in Poland together. And we are deepening our political ties through the NATO-Ukraine Council, where we consult and make decisions together. Ukraine will join NATO. It is not a question of if, but of when. As we prepare you for that day, NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine. For your security, and for ours,” the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance concluded.
“The situation on the battlefield remains extremely serious. President Putin’s aim to dominate Ukraine has not changed. And there are no indications that he is preparing for peace,” the NATO Secretary General assessed.
He appealed, however, not to fall short.
“Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable skill and fierce determination again and again. Ukraine did not collapse in weeks, as many feared it would. You have recaptured half of the territory seized by Russia. Pushed Russia back from large parts of the Black Sea. And inflicted heavy losses on the Russian forces,” Stoltenberg enumerated.
“Above all, Ukraine retains its freedom and independence. This has been made possible by your courage and resolve. Enabled by major military and economic support from NATO Allies. Just in the past days and weeks, NATO Allies have announced new packages of aid worth billions of dollars. These cover key capabilities like artillery ammunition, air defence, and combat boats. As well as F-16 equipment and spare parts, drones, and demining equipment. More support is on the way,” Stoltenberg assured.
He recalled that Vladimir Putin started the war because he wanted to close the door to NATO for Ukraine, but achieved the exact opposite.
“Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before. We are helping to make your forces more and more interoperable with Allies. We will open a new Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre in Poland together. And we are deepening our political ties through the NATO-Ukraine Council, where we consult and make decisions together. Ukraine will join NATO. It is not a question of if, but of when. As we prepare you for that day, NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine. For your security, and for ours,” the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance concluded.
#NATO stands with #Ukraine.pic.twitter.com/pfhVqh1fxs
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 24, 2024
Source: PAP, nato.int
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