NATO's unwavering support for Ukraine's path to membership

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has indicated that Ukraine is nearer to NATO membership "than ever before". He revealed that the allies "agree that Ukraine will become a member of NATO". He also noted Kyiv's success in various fronts and asserted that Russia is currently "weaker politically, militarily, and economically".

Stoltenberg underscored that the allies are currently offering Ukraine advice on necessary reforms. Such reforms encompass fighting corruption, fortifying the rule of law, and enhancing the protection of human rights and minority rights.

NATO's Secretary General placed emphasis on the Alliance's ongoing support for Ukraine in its journey towards NATO membership. "We will continue to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom," Stoltenberg announced.

He also highlighted that NATO allies are persistently working to consolidate Ukrainian air defense. He believes this will enable the safeguarding of Ukrainian military forces, cities, and more importantly, the lives of Ukrainian people.

During the press conference, NATO's Secretary General mentioned the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting in which Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba partook. Stoltenberg characterized this meeting as productive.

"The first time we meet in this format, the first time we have a Foreign Ministerial Meeting as a NATO-Ukraine Council Meeting. Today, we approved an ambitious work programme for the next year. It includes energy security, innovation and interoperability," announced the Secretary General.

Stoltenberg also pointed out Ukraine's numerous accomplishments last year, including victories in the battles for Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. He also affirmed that Russia is now weaker in terms of politics, military and economy, than it was before invading Ukraine.

"Politically, Russia is losing influence in its near abroad. Not only in Ukraine, but in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Russia is also becoming much more dependent on China. Year by year, Moscow is mortgaging its future to Beijing. Militarily, Russia has lost a substantial part of its conventional forces. Hundreds of aircraft. Thousands of tanks. And more than 300,000 casualties," noted the head of NATO.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken chimed in that he hadn't detected "any indications suggesting exhaustion or a wish to withdraw from supporting Ukraine". "On the contrary, I observe a firm resolve to maintain these actions. Every NATO ally, including the USA, is completely mindful that this is not only a matter of moral obligation but also a matter of their own interests," Blinken asserted during the press conference.

The head of American diplomacy also stressed that if we allow a country like Russia, which alters borders by force and dictates another country's future, to act with impunity, we set a dangerous precedent for other potential aggressors.

"Should such actions be met with impunity, it would create a free-for-all situation. Any potential aggressor, anywhere in the world, would draw conclusions for themselves from this," Blinken cautioned.