Ukraine is closer to NATO membership “than ever,” new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in Kyiv.
The new Secretary General of NATO took office on October 1, and on October 3 he unexpectedly arrived in Kyiv. This was his first official visit to his new post. In total, since the beginning of Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine, Rutte came to Kyiv for the fifth time that he previously visited the capital of Ukraine as Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
What they talked about in Kyiv
“It is important for me to go to Ukraine at the beginning of my mandate to show very clearly to you, to the people of Ukraine, and to everyone watching, that NATO continues to support Ukraine, I consider it my priority and privilege as NATO Secretary General to strengthen this support and ensure that “Ukraine prevails (in this war),” Rutte said at a press conference after a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The Secretary General explained that Ukraine’s support is also necessary for the allies themselves.
“This is why we are so committed to supporting Ukraine, because your security is important to us, and your fight for freedom reflects our principles and values,” Rutte said.
According to the President of Ukraine, they discussed Ukraine’s “victory plan”, the situation on the battlefield, the existing needs of our units and Ukrainian needs for air defense and further cooperation with neighbor
“Now, before winter, it is important to implement all agreements reached on air defense, especially what was discussed at the NATO summit in Washington,” Zelensky commented.
Zelensky expressed hope that the Alliance countries will change their position on protecting Ukraine’s skies. But he admitted that the allies are not yet ready to defend Ukrainian skies.
NATO membership
In a press conference with Rutte, Vladimir Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine is working to receive an invitation to the Alliance.
“Our goal is Ukraine’s full membership in the Alliance so that Ukraine can become the 33rd member country of NATO, Ukrainians deserve it,” Zelensky said.
“Ukraine is closer to NATO membership “than before,” said Rutte. “Russia will not be able to veto Ukraine’s movement to NATO,” he stressed.
Deep into the territory of Russia
The October 12 Ramstein meeting, chaired by Biden, will discuss authorization for long-term strikes on targets in the Russian Federation. According to Rutte, the issue of restrictions on such strikes is not a NATO issue, as each country of the Alliance makes its own decision.
NATO allies are not yet ready to shoot down Russian drones and missiles on Ukrainian territory, as they do in Israel’s interests, Rutte emphasized.
Source: korrespondent
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