Stoltenberg: "Ukraine will join NATO. It’s not a question of ’if’, but ’when’"

Stoltenberg: "Ukraine will join NATO. It’s not a question of ’if’, but ’when’"

Now Ukrainian soldiers are demonstrating extraordinary courage and perseverance in the fight against the enemy. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine brought the country closer to NATO membership.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this today during a televised address on the occasion of the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Today is two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, starting the greatest war in Europe since World War II. The situation on the battlefield remains very serious. President Putin’s goal of gaining dominance over Ukraine has not changed, and there is no sign that he is preparing for peace. But we must not lose heart. Ukraine has demonstrated outstanding skill and fierce determination again and again," said the NATO Secretary General.

He recalled that, despite many fears, Ukraine did not collapse within weeks, but was able to liberate half the territory that had been captured by Russia since the invasion began, drive Russia out of large parts of the Black Sea and inflict heavy losses on Russian troops.

“But most importantly, Ukraine has retained its freedom and independence. This was made possible thanks to courage and determination, which were strengthened by large-scale military and economic assistance from Alliance allies. In the past days and weeks alone, the allies have announced new aid packages worth billions of dollars. "They include such key capabilities as artillery ammunition, air defense equipment and combat boats, as well as equipment and spare parts for F-16 aircraft, drones and mine clearance equipment," Stoltenberg said.

He noted that Putin started this war to close the doors of NATO and deny Ukraine’s right to choose its own path. But he achieved exactly the opposite: Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before, the secretary general said.

According to him, NATO is helping Ukraine to achieve greater intercompatibility of its Armed Forces with the forces of the Alliance. Ukraine and NATO are jointly opening a new Center for Analysis, Training and Education in Poland, deepening political ties through the NATO-Ukraine Council, where they consult and make decisions together.

“Ukraine will join NATO - it’s not a question of “if”, but “when”. In preparing you for this day, NATO will continue to stand next to Ukraine. For the sake of your and our security,” Stoltenberg emphasized.