“NATO should extend an invitation to Ukraine now,” Lithuanian defense minister says – “We are committed, if necessary long-term,” Rutte says
Volodymyr Zelensky will participate today in the meeting of the NATO defense ministers in Brussels, in order to convince them to immediately invite Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Alliance, as a key step in his “victory plan” against Ukraine.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Ukrainian president and his country “should be able to start talks with Russia from a position of strength.”
“We are committed, if necessary for the long term. But until that moment comes, (Volodymyr Zelensky) can count on our continued support,” he added.
This afternoon, Rutte and Zelensky will hold a joint press conference at 19:20 (Greek time). .
Which countries are in favor
“NATO should invite Ukraine to join NATO now“, said Lithuanian Minister of Defense, Laurinas Kasiounas, attending the meeting.
“The invitation is the first stage, but it is truly an irreversible event,” he added. “If you want to push the Russians off NATO territory, even from the idea of ​​testing NATO, the best way to do it is by supporting Ukraine by all means.”
NATO must step up its support for Ukraine in the coming months to put pressure on Russia and ensure Ukraine can win the war, its defense minister said. United Kingdom, John Healy.
“We must do everything possible to step up support for Ukraine in the coming weeks and months to put pressure on Russia and ensure that Ukraine can prevail because Europe’s defense begins with Ukrainesaid John Healy. “We owe it to them to stand by their side as long as it takes,” he said.
OR Estonia hopes to see action and the next steps for Ukraine’s NATO membership, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told reporters from Brussels.
“Estonia has always said that the only real security guarantee for Ukraine is joining NATOHano Pevkur said before the start of the meeting of defense ministers of the Atlantic Alliance countries.
OR Latvia supports the victory plan promoted by the president of Ukraine, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds told reporters, adding that NATO’s aerial surveillance over the Baltic states must be upgraded.
Source :Skai
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