Ukraine's Next Steps Toward NATO Membership: What Stefanishyna Discussed with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna met with Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Robert Bauer. The parties discussed strengthening NATO's role in supporting and cooperating with Ukraine, developing military capabilities, increasing defense production, etc. This was reported by the press service of the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, UNN reports.

Details

According to the report, the meeting focused on strengthening NATO's role in supporting and cooperating with Ukraine, in particular in developing its military capabilities, increasing defense production, and preparing practical results for the upcoming summit in Washington, D.C., in terms of further support for Ukraine.

"When the Kyiv region was temporarily occupied, all democratic European countries stood up and said: we will be with you as long as it takes, and you will become a member of the European Union. It was very important at a time when we did not understand whether we would survive at all. The whole of Europe stood up and said that it was with us and that we would stand. And this is exactly the signal we need to hear at the upcoming Summit. This is the signal that the Russians need to hear: NATO has a clear agenda and will stand with Ukraine," Stefanishyna said.

She called for a frank and open dialogue at all levels to develop a possible format for Ukraine's next steps on the path to NATO membership, and briefed on the current situation in Ukraine, particularly in the context of Russia's recent large-scale attacks on civilian infrastructure.

"She emphasized the critical importance of mobilizing assistance, including military and financial, from allies to strengthen Ukraine's resilience. Olha Stefanishyna also informed about the progress of the project to develop a roadmap for Ukraine's transition to full interoperability with NATO and emphasized its long-term importance," the statement said.

In his turn, Admiral Rob Bauer assured of unwavering support for Ukraine, particularly in the context of building up its military capabilities and cooperation with its allies.

Recall

Yesterday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Robert Bauer. The two sides discussed Ukraine's priority defense needs, opportunities to strengthen the Alliance's coordination role in supporting Ukraine, and expectations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington.