Title: Ukraine Not Officially Invited to Join NATO at Vilnius Summit, Says Secretary General Stoltenberg
Date: June 19, 2023
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Monday that Ukraine will not be officially invited to join the alliance at the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius in July. Stoltenberg made this statement during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
Stoltenberg clarified that the issue of an official invitation will not be discussed at the Vilnius summit itself or during its preparation. Instead, the focus will be on how to bring Ukraine closer to NATO. He emphasized that consultations on Ukraine are ongoing, but he could not provide any information on the outcome of these discussions.
The Secretary General mentioned that the allies have already reached agreements on many aspects, but the decision on Kyiv’s membership in the alliance ultimately lies with Ukraine and NATO members, not Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has expressed the need for a clear timetable for the accession procedure, highlighting that Ukraine is ready to be part of NATO and is waiting for the alliance to be ready as well.
While Ukraine’s official invitation to join NATO will not be on the agenda at the Vilnius summit, the discussions and consultations aim to strengthen the relationship between Ukraine and the alliance. The summit will provide an opportunity for Ukraine to engage with NATO members and work towards closer cooperation and integration.
It is important to note that this decision does not signify a rejection of Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO. The alliance remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the ongoing consultations demonstrate NATO’s dedication to furthering the partnership with Ukraine.
As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor the progress of the consultations and any developments regarding Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO. The Vilnius summit will serve as a platform for discussions on Ukraine’s integration into the alliance and the steps needed to strengthen the partnership between NATO and Ukraine.
russian-ukraine latest news today
Ukraine Not Officially Invited to Join NATO at Vilnius Summit, Says Secretary General Stoltenberg
Date: June 19, 2023
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Monday that Ukraine will not be officially invited to join the alliance at the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius in July. Stoltenberg made this statement during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
Stoltenberg clarified that the issue of an official invitation will not be discussed at the Vilnius summit itself or during its preparation. Instead, the focus will be on how to bring Ukraine closer to NATO. He emphasized that consultations on Ukraine are ongoing, but he could not provide any information on the outcome of these discussions.
The Secretary General mentioned that the allies have already reached agreements on many aspects, but the decision on Kyiv’s membership in the alliance ultimately lies with Ukraine and NATO members, not Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has expressed the need for a clear timetable for the accession procedure, highlighting that Ukraine is ready to be part of NATO and is waiting for the alliance to be ready as well.
While Ukraine’s official invitation to join NATO will not be on the agenda at the Vilnius summit, the discussions and consultations aim to strengthen the relationship between Ukraine and the alliance. The summit will provide an opportunity for Ukraine to engage with NATO members and work towards closer cooperation and integration.
It is important to note that this decision does not signify a rejection of Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO. The alliance remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the ongoing consultations demonstrate NATO’s dedication to furthering the partnership with Ukraine.
As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor the progress of the consultations and any developments regarding Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO. The Vilnius summit will serve as a platform for discussions on Ukraine’s integration into the alliance and the steps needed to strengthen the partnership between NATO and Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s official invitation to join NATO is a significant step towards strengthening regional security and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The summit in Vilnius is a testament to the Alliance’s commitment to standing with Ukraine and ensuring stability in the region.”