NATO will extend invitation to Ukraine to join when allies agree and conditions permit - Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the Allies have promised to invite Ukraine to join NATO when the Allies agree and conditions permit.
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.
"We have made it clear that we will extend an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO when the allies agree and when conditions allow," Stoltenberg said at a press conference in Vilnius after the meeting of the heads of state and government of the Alliance member states.
In addition, he said, the Allies agreed on a new multi-year assistance programme for Ukraine that will help it move from Soviet-era standards to NATO standards, as well as help rebuild the security and defence sectors and cover critical needs such as fuel, demining equipment and medical supplies.
Stoltenberg also confirmed that the Allies have approved the decision to establish a new NATO-Ukraine Council for consultations and decision-making, "where we will meet as equals". "I look forward to the inaugural meeting of the Council tomorrow with President Zelensky," he added.
"This is a strong package for Ukraine and a clear path towards NATO membership," the Alliance Secretary General said.
