KYIV: Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg defiantly declared on Thursday that Ukraine deserves to join the military alliance and pledged continuing support for the country on his first visit to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion just over a year ago. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Stoltenberg, who has been instrumental in marshaling support from Nato’s members, to push for even more from them, including warplanes, artillery and armored equipment.
The Kremlin has given various justifications for going to war, but repeated on Thursday that preventing Ukraine from joining Nato was a key goal behind its invasion, arguing that Kyiv’s membership in the alliance would pose an existential threat to Russia.
“Let me be clear, Ukraine’s rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family,” Stoltenberg told a press conference. “Ukraine’s rightful place is in Nato. ” He said he and Zelenskyy discussed a Nato support programme. “This will help you transition from Sovietera equipment and doctrines to Nato standards and ensure full interoperability with the alliance,” Stoltenberg said. “Nato stands with you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes. ”
He noted Thursday’s announcement by Denmark and the Netherlands that they plan to provide Ukraine with at least another 14 refurbished Leopard 2 battle tanks from early 2024. . Meanwhile, the Ukraine Space Agency said a bright flash of light in the night sky over the country the previous day was probably a meteorite entering the earth’s atmosphere.
The Kremlin has given various justifications for going to war, but repeated on Thursday that preventing Ukraine from joining Nato was a key goal behind its invasion, arguing that Kyiv’s membership in the alliance would pose an existential threat to Russia.
“Let me be clear, Ukraine’s rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family,” Stoltenberg told a press conference. “Ukraine’s rightful place is in Nato. ” He said he and Zelenskyy discussed a Nato support programme. “This will help you transition from Sovietera equipment and doctrines to Nato standards and ensure full interoperability with the alliance,” Stoltenberg said. “Nato stands with you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes. ”
He noted Thursday’s announcement by Denmark and the Netherlands that they plan to provide Ukraine with at least another 14 refurbished Leopard 2 battle tanks from early 2024. . Meanwhile, the Ukraine Space Agency said a bright flash of light in the night sky over the country the previous day was probably a meteorite entering the earth’s atmosphere.