“We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine in the heroic defense of their nation, their land and our shared values,” the document states.
In forceful language towards Moscow, he stated that “the Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to the security of the Allies and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.”
Russia indicated that it is following the Vilnius summit “very closely”, in which it sees “a strong anti-Russian character”.
When Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the military intervention in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he demanded, among other things, that the former Soviet republic have a “neutral status” and guarantees that it would never enter NATO.
More weapons for Ukraine
Also in an expression of support, several NATO countries announced more arms deliveries to Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that his country will deliver long-range (250km) SCALP missiles to Ukraine, after the UK made a similar announcement. These missiles nearly triple Ukraine’s previous capabilities, allowing forces to hit Russian troops and supplies deep behind the front lines.
And the German Defense Ministry announced the shipment of new military aid to the former Soviet republic worth 700 million euros (about $770 million).
Zelenski should hold a meeting with US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, also present in Ukraine, announced on Twitter that 11 countries have signed a memorandum to start training Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 aircraft in August.
The summit was also buoyed by the possibility of Sweden joining NATO as a new member, after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan abruptly dropped his objections on the matter the day before, pushing for the resumption of talks. for Turkey’s entry into the European Union.
With information from AFP and Reuters