NATO Secretary General in Kiev: "Ukraine's place is in the Euro-Atlantic family"
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's visit to Kiev is interpreted by Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski as a sign that the Alliance is ready to start a new chapter in its relationship with his country.
For his part, Jens Stoltenberg said in a joint press conference with the Kiev leader that Ukraine's full right is in NATO, and with Alliance support this will become possible. He also pointed out that NATO allies have provided Ukraine with more than €150 billion in support since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
"Allies are now delivering more aircraft, tanks and armoured vehicles, and the NATO fund for Ukraine is providing urgent support. All this is making a real difference on the battlefield today," he said.
"Ukraine's rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family. And over time, our support will help make that happen," the Secretary General said. He stressed that a multi-year support initiative will help Ukraine move "from Soviet-era equipment and doctrines to NATO standards and ensure full interoperability with the Alliance", Jens Stoltenberg continued.
The NATO Secretary General also said that Russian aggression is a toxic pattern that must be stopped and Ukraine's armed forces strengthened.
Jens Stoltenberg made an unannounced visit to Ukraine today, his first since the start of the war and his fourth as NATO Secretary General.
