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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the NATO summit in Vilnius will demonstrate the alliance’s “enduring support for Ukraine,” including the possibility of membership.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the summit, Blinken said, “We will demonstrate our enduring support for Ukraine, including by making clear that NATO’s door remains open to Ukraine and that we will continue to support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”
Blinken added that the summit will also focus on strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture in response to Russian aggression.
“We will discuss how to further strengthen our deterrence and defense posture, including through the deployment of additional forces and capabilities to the eastern part of the alliance,” he said.
The NATO summit comes as Russia continues its military aggression against Ukraine, with ongoing clashes and tensions along the border.
Blinken emphasized the importance of unity among NATO allies in the face of these challenges.
“We are stronger when we stand together, and we are united in our commitment to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region,” he said.
The summit is expected to result in a communique that will address Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO and outline the alliance’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Blinken’s comments echo those of other NATO leaders, who have expressed their support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of unity and deterrence in the face of Russian aggression.
The NATO summit is a crucial moment for Ukraine, as it seeks to strengthen its ties with the alliance and secure its future security. The outcome of the summit will have significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as for the broader security landscape in Europe.NEWS ALERT: Germany Commits to Spending 2% of Economic Output on Defense
Berlin, Germany – Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced today that Germany will allocate 2% of its economic output to defense starting next year. This decision comes after NATO members agreed to make the 2% target a minimum requirement due to the ongoing threat from Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Scholz stated that the funds for defense will come from the regular budget resources, as well as the 100 billion euros special funds that were pledged for defense following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He emphasized that Germany is committed to achieving the 2% target on a permanent basis, even after the special assets have been used up.
The Chancellor made these remarks upon his arrival at the NATO summit in Vilnius, where leaders are discussing Ukraine’s possible accession to the alliance. Scholz expressed the importance of providing security guarantees for Ukraine and ensuring effective support in both the current conflict and a future peace situation.
In other news, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his satisfaction with Turkey’s agreement to support Sweden’s NATO membership bid. Previously, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had suggested that Sweden could only join the alliance after Turkey’s acceptance into the European Union. Kristersson highlighted Sweden’s commitment to providing common security and its desire for long-term cooperation within NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also arrived in Vilnius for the NATO summit. The summit is expected to discuss Ukraine’s path to membership in the alliance, with a focus on the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Meanwhile, the White House has stated that Ukraine’s immediate membership in NATO is unlikely due to the country’s need to meet certain requirements, including good governance, rule of law, and political reforms. White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby acknowledged Ukraine’s frustrations but emphasized that NATO remains committed to Ukraine’s future membership.
France has announced that it will send longer-range missiles to Ukraine to aid its counteroffensive against Russian forces. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the decision aims to give Ukraine the capacity to strike further and defend its territory. The missiles, known as Storm Shadow, have a range that allows Ukraine to target Russian-held territory in eastern Ukraine.
The NATO summit in Vilnius is ongoing, with Ukraine’s potential accession to the alliance being a key topic of discussion. US President Joe Biden has expressed support for Ukraine’s future membership, while NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that the summit will send a positive and strong message regarding Ukraine’s path to full membership.
The summit has also seen tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, with two senior Russian commanders reportedly killed in separate incidents. Ukrainian officials claim that the killings occurred in retaliation for Russian aggression.
As the summit continues, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv earlier today as Ukrainian air defenses repelled a Russian drone attack on the capital. The situation on the ground remains tense, with both sides engaged in ongoing conflict.
For more updates on the NATO summit and the situation in Ukraine, stay tuned to CNN.
What are the potential implications of a communique addressing Ukraine’s accession to NATO at the Vilnius summit
Vilnius for the NATO summit, where he expressed gratitude for the alliance’s support and reiterated Ukraine’s determination to join NATO. Zelensky emphasized that NATO membership is crucial for Ukraine’s security and called for further assistance in countering Russian aggression.
The NATO summit in Vilnius is a significant moment for Ukraine, as it seeks to strengthen its ties with the alliance and enhance its defense capabilities. With ongoing clashes and tensions along the Ukraine-Russia border, the summit serves as a platform for NATO leaders to reaffirm their support for Ukraine and discuss measures to deter Russian aggression.
As the summit progresses, all eyes are on the outcome and the potential inclusion of a communique that addresses Ukraine’s accession to NATO. This would signal a clear demonstration of the alliance’s support for Ukraine and its commitment to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
The decisions made at the NATO summit will have broader implications for the security landscape in Europe. With Germany pledging to allocate 2% of its economic output to defense and other countries discussing similar commitments, there is a collective effort to strengthen defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.
Additionally, Turkey’s agreement to support Sweden’s NATO membership bid is a positive development for both countries. It underscores the importance of cooperation within the alliance and highlights a willingness to work together to ensure common security.
Overall, the NATO summit in Vilnius represents a crucial moment for Ukraine and the broader Euro-Atlantic region. It serves as a platform for NATO leaders to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, reinforce support for Ukraine, and discuss measures to deter further aggression. The decisions and commitments made at the summit will shape the future security landscape in Europe.
It’s commendable to see Germany taking its defense commitments seriously amid growing Russian aggression. Meeting NATO’s minimum requirement shows a strong commitment to ensuring regional security and safeguarding against potential threats.