The Allies agreed on a plan to bring the country closer to the military alliance; Jens Stoltenberg said the country must meet the requirements
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders said on Tuesday (July 11, 2023) that “Ukraine’s future lies in the organization,” but did not offer Kiev an immediate invitation or a specific date of accession. However, the group reduced membership requirements to make it easier for the country commanded by Volodymyr Zelensky to join the military alliance.
The speech was delivered in a statement from the group of 31. This Tuesday (July 11), world leaders also agreed on a plan aimed at bringing Ukraine closer to NATO. Measures include a new assistance program to “facilitate the transition of Ukrainian armed forces to military alliance standards”.
In addition, it aims to help rebuild Ukraine’s security and defense sector and fund critical needs such as fuel, demining equipment and medical supplies. “This is a strong package for Ukraine and a clear path to NATO membership,” said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
In addition, the members of the military alliance agreed to establish the new NATOUkraine Council. The opening session is scheduled to take place in Vilnius on Wednesday (July 12) with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
They also agreed to remove the Action Plan membership requirement to ease the Eastern European country’s entry into the Alliance. “It will change Ukraine’s accession path from a twostage process to a onestage process,” Stoltenberg said.
“We also made it clear that if allies agree and the conditions are met, we will invite Ukraine to join NATO.” .
Earlier, the Ukrainian President had already expressed his concern about the discussions about Ukraine’s NATO accession. Zelenskyi said on his Twitter account that the country “deserves respect”. The Ukrainian head of state will take part in the NATOUkraine Council meeting on Wednesday (July 12).
Speaking in the city of Vilnius, Zelesnky said Ukraine’s entry into NATO would make the alliance “stronger” and also provide a form of protection for the country.
The Alliance also adopted its most comprehensive joint defense plan since the end of the Cold War. The new initiative will deploy 300,000 highreadiness troops in Ukraine, including “substantial air and naval forces.” A defense production action plan was agreed, aimed at accelerating the procurement of military equipment, increasing production capacity and enhancing joint Allied operations.
In his speech this Tuesday (July 11), Stoltenberg also discussed the need for major defense investments to fund the organization’s new military plans. And do it with more urgency to meet your commitments,” he said.