NATO-Ukraine Council to discuss Ukraine's path to membership and necessary reforms - Stoltenberg

The NATO-Ukraine Council at the ministerial level today will focus on how to support Ukraine's path to NATO membership, including the necessary reforms, as well as the situation on the battlefield and further support. This was announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday, UNN reports . 

We will have a historic meeting, the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of foreign ministers. This meeting demonstrates that Ukraine is getting closer to NATO. At the meeting, we will discuss how we can support your path to NATO membership 

The NATO Secretary General emphasized that "all Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance".

And now we need to discuss the way forward, the reforms and how NATO can support you in implementing those reforms,

"Then we will also look at the immediate needs, the situation on the battlefield," the Secretary General said.

At the same time, he reiterated his "deep admiration for the Ukrainian armed forces, the political leadership, the people of Ukraine, the courage you have demonstrated after the full-scale invasion." "And the fact that you were able to push back Russian troops from the north, east and south. And also inflicted heavy losses on the Russian invaders. These are great victories for Ukraine, and they are the result of your firm determination to defend your country and territorial integrity," the Alliance chief said.

At the same time, Stoltenberg emphasized that "we should not underestimate Russia". "We see intense fighting and we must be prepared for new air and missile strikes. Therefore, it is important that our solidarity with Ukraine is demonstrated not only in words but also in deeds," the NATO Secretary General emphasized.

He welcomed the recent announcements of further support for Ukraine by the Allies, pointing out that "these are concrete actions, so we need more of them." "And we need sustained and increased support for Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

"Because it is in Ukraine's interest, but also in our own security interest, that Ukraine prevails, that you can push back Russian troops and prevail as a sovereign, independent state in Europe," he said.

"So once again, Dmytro, it's a pleasure to meet you, to see you here. And to have the opportunity to sit down and discuss how we can stand together in the fight against Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the NATO Secretary General concluded.

To recap,

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is confidentthat the United States will continue to support Ukraine.