Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that his country’s accession to NATO is “very close”, after the members of the Atlantic Alliance considered that the incorporation of Ukraine is irreversible.
“We are very close to our goal. The next step will be the invitation (to join NATO) and then membership.“We are committed to the goal of the NATO summit,” Zelensky said at a press conference alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during the Alliance Summit in Washington.
The Ukrainian president admitted that Ukraine will hardly be able to join NATO while the war with Russia continues, but expressed confidence that his country “will prevail“in the face of the Russian invasion.
Alliance leaders on Wednesday showed their unity in the long-term defence of Ukraine, pledging at least another 40 billion euros of military support for kyiv next year and declaring “irreversible“their integration into the organization.
Zelensky, invited to the second day of this Thursday, celebrated that this summit has achieved “concrete successes”, such as the delivery to Ukraine of five Patriot anti-missile batteries.
He was particularly pleased that the summit communiqué included the idea that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership was irreversible, something he himself had called for.
“We are doing and will continue to do everything to ensure that the day comes when Ukraine is invited and becomes a member of NATO.“, he claimed.
Biden announces $225 million for Ukraine
US President Joe Biden announced a new $225 million military aid package for Ukraine on Thursday during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington.
“Today I am proud to announce a new set of security systems for Ukraine.“Biden told reporters alongside Zelensky before the meeting.
The US president explained that this is the eighth package he has authorized since Congress approved US$61 billion in aid in April, which came after months of debate due to the Republican blockade, which caused a shortage of weapons in Ukraine.
According to a statement issued by the Pentagon, the new military aid package includes the Patriot anti-aircraft battery that Biden announced he would send to Ukraine two days ago, during an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Atlantic Alliance.
The shipment also contains Stinger surface-to-air missiles and Javelin anti-tank missiles, both portable and widely used by Ukrainian troops, as well as various types of ammunition and equipment, among other weapons.
After Biden announced the new aid package, Zelensky expressed his gratitude, considering it to be a ““very strong news.”
“I am grateful to you, your team, your administration, of course, to Congress, both parties, both chambers, and to all Americans for your vital and steadfast support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Together, we are saving lives.“Zelensky, dressed in his trademark olive-green military uniform, said.
The Ukrainian president took the opportunity to mention in front of the cameras the attack carried out on Monday by Russia against the main children’s hospital in kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, which caused at least 41 civilian victims in the deadliest air offensive in recent months.
In connection with this attack, he welcomed the delivery of air defence systems, including the Patriot system, by the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Italy, thus fulfilling one of Zelensky’s main requests.
In addition to anti-aircraft systems, the planned transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine is underway and will be completed this summer, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced yesterday.
At this NATO summit in Washington, marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary, leaders have shown their unity in defending Ukraine for the long term.
On the first day of Wednesday, they already pledged to send at least another 40 billion euros (about US$36.922 billion) of military support to kyiv next year and declared “irreversible“their integration into the organization, although they avoided setting a specific date and assured that it will occur when the right conditions are met.
Source: Gestion
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