The bonds between Ukraine and NATO have been strengthened during NATO's top meeting in Washington. This is what President Volodymyr Zelenskyj says, who only lacks one thing:
The next step must be an invitation to become a member.
Ukraine was in focus during a large part of the top meeting in the US capital.
The member countries promised a new support package worth approximately 450 billion Swedish kronor to Ukraine, and several NATO countries promised to send new air defense systems, including four Patriot systems.
On Thursday, another package from the USA was announced, worth 225 million dollars, equivalent to approximately 2.3 billion kronor. This also includes new Patriot systems and Himars robots.
Concrete Decisions
On site in Washington, Volodymyr Zelenskyj thanked for the support
We have seen many concrete decisions during the top meeting. First and foremost for air defense, which will protect civilians against Russian attacks, he says at a press conference together with NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
The latter pointed out that it is up to each individual member country to decide whether its donated weapons can be used against military targets in Russia.
Ukraine has the right to defend itself. And NATO countries have the right to help them. The right to self-defense also includes the right to strike against military targets on Russian soil, says Stoltenberg.
I welcome the fact that more NATO countries have lifted their restrictions, he continues, referring among other things to the UK, whose newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that Ukraine can use British long-distance robots to strike against military targets in Russia.
Convinced
What was lacking for Zelenskyj was a direct invitation to the organization. But it will come, he says.
We are doing everything and will do everything to ensure that the day comes when Ukraine is invited and becomes a member of NATO. I am convinced that we will get there.
Corrected: In an earlier version, an incorrect amount was stated for the USA's new support package.
