The longer Russia continues its war, the more united NATO will become and Ukraine becomes a member of the alliance, said Latvia’s Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš at the opening of a newly-formed NATO-Ukraine Council.
Previously it was reported that on Tuesday, the 11th of July, participants of the summit made important decisions in regards to the alliance’s defensive capabilities and Ukraine’s road towards NATO membership.
The NATO summit in Vilnius was attended for the first time by Finland. On the eve of the summit, however, an agreement was finally reached in regards to Sweden joining the alliance.
On Wednesday, the 12th of July, there was the opening meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participating.
In democracies decisions are not made like gun shots – we’re in for a marathon and make decisions with a long-term perspective. Since the beginning of Russia’s onslaught on Ukraine we’ve constantly increased our support to ??.We will succeed. #Ukraine will join the NATO family. pic.twitter.com/r7e8lbwiCy
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) July 12, 2023
During the meeting, NATO leaders pledged unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
“Ukraine’s future is NATO,” leaders stressed.
On the second day of the NATO summit met with their similarly-minded partners from Australia, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. The alliance and its partners agree that the security of Europe and Asia is linked. China’s policy and the strategic partnership between China and Russia present challenges.
Kariņš said “similarly-minded countries are united by common values”.
“Russia is undermining the rule-based international order, whereas China challenges international order. Allies and partners have to work together to enhance security and support Ukraine,” said Latvian PM.
Together with leaders of other Baltic States, Kariņš met with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
BNN previously reported that Zelensky requested security guarantees during the NATO summit until Ukraine has joined the alliance.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Tuesday, the 11th of July, that G7 countries – US, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, Britain and Germany – are working on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are one of three most important topics addressed during the NATO summit together with arms deliveries and possible entry to the alliance.
Zelensky stressed that he wants Ukraine to be treated like other NATO member states. He said he hopes Kyiv will be invited to join the security situation allows it.
Also read: Ukraine’s gains and lost hopes at the NATO summit