Stoltenberg confirmed the invitation for Zelensky in Brussels on Tuesday, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Speaking at a news conference after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, Stoltenberg said: “We look forward to meeting President Zelensky at our Vilnius summit in July.”
NATO to develop multi-year support programme for Ukraine
During the get-together of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which was attended by Ukraine’s top diplomat Dmytro Kuleba, NATO foreign ministers, including Poland’s Zbigniew Rau, reaffirmed strong support for Kyiv as it defends itself against the Russian invasion, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Stoltenberg stated that NATO would develop “a multi-year support initiative for Ukraine,” designed to “help ensure Ukraine’s deterrence and defence, make the transition from Soviet-era equipment and doctrines to NATO standards, and increase interoperability with NATO.”
The NATO chief added: “This demonstrates our long-term commitment to Ukraine and brings Ukraine closer to the Euro-Atlantic family.”
Stoltenberg also emphasised the allies’ commitment to NATO’s "open-door policy."
He stated: “We encourage Ukraine to continue on the path of reforms, even in difficult times. We discussed the importance of anti-corruption measures, the rule of law, and the rights of minorities.”
Stoltenberg added: “A strong, independent Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area.”
NATO's aid to Ukraine at EUR 150 bn: Stoltenberg
Outlining the alliance’s assistance to Ukraine so far, Stoltenberg said: “NATO allies have delivered close to EUR 150 billion of support, including EUR 65 billion of military aid.”
He added: “But there is no room for complacency. President Putin has not changed course in Ukraine. He thinks Russia can outlast our support. Our meeting today underscored NATO’s enduring commitment to Ukraine.”
The NATO chief stated: “Allies are ramping up the production of weapons and ammunition. And delivering on their pledges of training and new heavy weaponry. The first Leopard and Challenger tanks are in Ukraine. Together with tanks and infantry fighting vehicles from several other allies.”
He added: “As agreed at the Madrid Summit, we have also stepped up urgent non-lethal support through NATO’s Ukraine fund. This includes fuel, medical supplies, mobile satellite systems and pontoon bridges.”
Stoltenberg thanked “allies that have made substantial contributions, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK,” as well as “partners such as Australia and Japan.”
NATO to support Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes’
The NATO chief vowed: “NATO will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Tuesday’s meeting was the first attended by the alliance’s newest member Finland, which was represented by Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, news outlets reported.
Wednesday is day 406 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, NATO