Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky hardened his words this Tuesday to deplore the lack of definition of a deadline for the country’s entry into the Atlantic Alliance. “It seems that there is no availability to invite Ukraine to NATO or make it a member of the Alliance,” he said, without hiding his displeasure.
“It is unprecedented and absurd when the deadline has not been set for the invitation nor for Ukraine’s accession” to NATO, the Ukrainian head of state wrote in a post shared on Twitter.
We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation.
Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it’s about respect.But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on our way to Vilnius, we got signals that…
– Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 11, 2023
Zelensky began by saying the country “values its allies”, “shared security” and “an open conversation”, but says “Ukraine also deserves respect”.
“On the way to Vilnius [Lituânia]Zelensky said he has received signals that certain issues are being discussed without Ukraine’s presence and that they are related to the country’s invitation to join NATO, “but not Ukraine’s accession”.
He added that at the same time “vague words about conditions” are being added to invite Ukraine to join the Atlantic Alliance.
Given this scenario, Zelensky believes that “an opportunity to negotiate Ukraine’s accession to NATO in negotiations with Russia” is wasted. “And for Russia, that means motivation to continue its terror,” he argued.
“Insecurity is weakness. And I will discuss this openly at the summit,” Zelensky assured of the meeting that will bring together NATO leaders in Lithuania, which he will attend.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, meanwhile, promised that the leaders of the Atlantic Alliance would send Ukraine “a clear and positive message towards membership”.
“We will send a clear message, a positive message about the way forward,” Stoltenberg said at the start of the two-day meeting.
Poland defends creation of “free road” for Ukraine’s accession
Poland’s president said he expected decisions that would create a “free path” for Ukraine’s entry into the Atlantic Alliance.
Andrzej Duda also said he was convinced that the summit taking place today and Wednesday in Vilnius will be an “effective and decisive meeting” with decisions on Ukraine and on the eastern flank.
The Polish leader also welcomed “with satisfaction” the steps taken towards the future approval of Sweden’s membership of NATO, “which has always been part of Europe”.
On the other hand, the Polish head of state said that the summit will also address issues such as the transfer of nuclear weapons and the presence of Wagner group mercenaries on the territory of Belarus, a recognized ally of Moscow.
Still during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, the President of Poland reiterated the defense of “Russia’s withdrawal from all occupied (Ukrainian) territories and the intervention of international law”.
As one of the countries most affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine (with which it borders), Andrzej Duda referred to the military expenditures assumed by Poland and justified such decisions with its proximity to Ukrainian territory.
“As neighboring countries of Ukraine, we know that it is crucial to do what we do,” he said.
Polish newspaper Pulz Biznesu today published information showing that one of the offices of the Atlantic Alliance Innovation Fund, whose establishment will be announced at the summit, will be located in Warsaw.
The news has not yet been officially confirmed.
With Lusa
News updated at 13:15
Source: DN
