- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says the alliance will stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he suggested the country was now “equal” with member countries.
- On the country’s membership, he said the alliance will issue an invitation to join “when allies agree when conditions are met”.
- The US and Germany have shown the most reticence on expediting membership while the conflict rumbles on.
- “There’s a realization in government here that the Americans, the Germans, the French aren’t going to make Ukraine a full member of the organization right now.-Experts say.
- Zelenskyy will be able to call a meeting with his NATO allies, he’ll be able to consult with them and he’ll have the right to do that.”- Analytics says.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says the alliance will stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he suggested the country was now “equal” with member countries. Speaking at a news briefing, he set out a three-part package to bring Ukraine “closer to NATO”.
He says: “A multi-program of practical assistance, establishing a new NATO-Ukraine council and reaffirming that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and removing the requirement for the membership action plan.” On the country’s membership, he said the alliance will issue an invitation to join “when allies agree when conditions are met”.
We know the US and Germany have shown the most reticence on expediting membership while the conflict rumbles on. Mr. Stoltenberg added that once the war ends, “we must ensure there are credible arrangements in place for Ukraine’s security so history doesn’t repeat itself”.
Turning to the Ukrainian president, he said: “Today we meet as equals, I look forward to the day we meet as allies.”
Now to Dnipro in Ukraine where Sky’s international correspondent John Sparks has been describing how issues surrounding Ukraine’s membership to NATO are being perceived on the ground.
He said: “People are disappointed, people are behind the war effort here and they are remarkably united, and they are disappointed to a certain extent that Ukraine has not been admitted as a full member of NATO. “There’s a realization in government here that the Americans, the Germans, the French aren’t going to make Ukraine a full member of the organization right now.
“Clearly, Joe Biden doesn’t want to escalate this conflict with Russia. If they bring Ukraine into the bloc then the entire bloc is obligated to come into Ukraine’s direct aid. At the moment they are coming to Ukraine’s indirect aid. “Zelenskyy will certainly use this disappointment in the bilateral meetings he’s holding today.”
One thing the alliance has done is create a NATO-Ukraine council, which will meet for the first time today. “It’s basically like giving Ukraine a permanent seat at the side table,” says Sparks.
“It means Zelenskyy will be able to call a meeting with his NATO allies, he’ll be able to consult with them and he’ll have the right to do that.”
(With inputs from agencies)
