NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today that all members of the military alliance agree that Ukraine will join NATO, which is a big boost for Volodymyr Zelensky.
The NATO chief said Ukraine “must have the deterrent to prevent new attacks from Russia once the war is over – and joining NATO would give Kiev protection.”
Stoltenberg said NATO allies had agreed that Ukraine would eventually join the alliance and that Zelensky had been invited to attend the next NATO summit in July.
But Stoltenberg, who met Zelensky in Kiev yesterday, added that the main focus now is to ensure the country wins against Russia.
Stoltenberg recognized the need to discuss “new support platforms” with the battle now in its second year. He also underlined the need to ensure that weapons already delivered continue to work.
Pictured: NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg (L) shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the end of a joint press conference in Kiev, April 20, 2023
Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers fire targets on the frontline towards the town of Ugledar, Donetsk, Ukraine as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues on April 18, 2023
“I think sometimes we underestimate all the logistics that it takes to have operational main battle tank capabilities, so maybe it’s a little bit more boring, but the logistics are extremely important,” the NATO chief said.
He added: “This is now a war of attrition and a war of attrition is becoming a logistical war.”
US Defense Secretary Lloyd said on Friday that international support for Ukraine is “strong and true” as he opened a meeting in Germany with allies to discuss further support for Kiev.
On the eve of talks bringing together representatives from 50 countries, Zelensky urged Western allies to send more fighter jets and long-range missiles to repel Russian forces.
Zelensky had submitted his requests directly to Stoltenberg, who visited Kiev before heading to Ramstein Air Force Base for the meeting.
“Our support for the forces of freedom in Ukraine is strong and true,” Austin said as he began talks, a year after the meeting of defense leaders began to coordinate aid to Ukraine.
“At today’s liaison group meeting, we will focus on three key issues: air defense, munitions and enablers,” Austin said, referring to logistics and other support.
Zelensky had enlisted NATO’s help to “overcome the reluctance” of some member states to provide long-range missiles, modern fighter jets and armored vehicles.
Ukrainian soldiers fire targets on the frontline towards the town of Ugledar, Donetsk, Ukraine as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues on April 18, 2023
NATO members have sent some Soviet-era fighter jets to Ukraine, but no modern aircraft like the US-designed F-16 have been promised, despite Ukraine’s requests.
Ukraine’s Western supporters were also reluctant to send long-range missiles, fearing that Ukraine could use them to hit targets in Russia.
Stoltenberg recognized the need to discuss “new support platforms” with the battle now in its second year. He also underlined the need to ensure that weapons already delivered continue to work.
Earlier this week, Ukraine said it had received the first shipment of patriots from allies, seen as one of the most advanced US air defense systems.
Germany also delivered a promised Iris-T anti-aircraft missile system.
The kit was one of Kiev’s main demands to Western allies, as it appears to defend itself against Russian missile attacks and reverse Moscow’s invasion.
During Stoltenberg’s visit to Kiev, pressure was also put on the NATO chief to admit Ukraine into the alliance, but he stressed that it was not the immediate priority.
“All NATO allies have agreed for Ukraine to become a NATO member, but the main focus now, of course, is on how to make sure Ukraine is victorious,” he said.
“Without a sovereign, independent Ukraine, there is no point in talking about membership,” he said.
The NATO chief also stressed that the alliance was long-term in its support for Ukraine, including a “multi-year program to help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era equipment standards.” [and] doctrines to NATO standards and doctrines.’
“We have to make sure that Ukraine has the military strength… that deterrent to prevent new attacks, because you have to remember that the war didn’t start in February” last year but with the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
More than a year after the invasion, Russia attacked Kiev overnight with drones in its first such attack in nearly a month, though city officials reported no casualties.
Moscow suffered a setback when one of its fighter jets lost ammunition over Belgorod near the Ukrainian border, after local authorities reported a blast that injured two people and left a huge crater in the Russian city.
The Belgorod region has been repeatedly shelled since Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.