Post by pieter on Jul 12, 2023 17:48:11 GMT -7
NOS News
12 july 2023
16:39
NATO: more weapons for Ukraine most important, membership is getting closer
Ukraine's NATO membership is getting closer, as became clear on the second day of the Vilnius summit in Lithuania. President Zelensky is satisfied with the new support measures that have been promised, although he had hoped for more clarity on membership.
The atmosphere at the press conference with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg was therefore more cordial than yesterday. It was then announced that no timetable had been agreed within the alliance for Ukraine's accession. Zelensky spoke critically about this, calling it 'absurd'.
But today it seemed to be more pleasant and jokes were made. According to Stoltenberg, Ukraine and NATO are now closer than ever before. He also reiterated that NATO will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
There was also a first meeting of a new council that should lead to further rapprochement between the member states of the military alliance and Ukraine. NATO allies have all confirmed that Ukraine will eventually become a member.
Although Zelensky would have thought it ideal if he had now received clarity about when Kyiv can join, he understands that this is not possible as long as his country is still at war.
NATO and EU correspondent Ardy Stemerding:
"Behind the scenes, there was understanding for Zelensky's fierce outburst. And also relief that things went more smoothly today. Because after Zelensky's harsh tone yesterday, there was now room for a completely different sound. Zelensky emphasized what he was happy with and showed understanding for the caution of countries. This way NATO and Ukraine could show themselves as partners, who promised not to let go of each other again."
The Ukraine-NATO Council must ensure that the country can eventually become a full member: agreements must be made about further political integration. "It's not a partnership," Stoltenberg said. "We do it as equals."
"Today's decisions mark the beginning of a new relationship between NATO and Ukraine. We are now equals and I look forward to the day when we can meet as allies."
In addition, there will be long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, Stoltenberg said. According to Russia, it is misleading and "possibly very dangerous" for the West to give such guarantees. The Kremlin also says they threaten Russia's security and made it clear that it has "a very negative attitude" to Ukraine's NATO membership.
Those guarantees are indeed not without risk, Stoltenberg acknowledged, but he calls a Russian victory "the greatest risk of the war". "We cannot let Moscow decide who will or will not join NATO."
Especially long-range weapons needed
Stoltenberg and Zelensky agree that arms deliveries are most important right now. According to Zelensky, his country mainly needs long-range weapons. "Of course guarantees, documents and a council meeting are important, but the most urgent task now is to ensure that there are enough weapons for the Ukrainian army." Several NATO countries have made new promises about this in particular.
For example, Germany supplies missiles for the Patriot systems. These systems consist of a radar, a fire control center and several launchers.
And the United Kingdom is supporting Ukraine with more ammunition, vehicles and a budget for equipment repairs. The British government said yesterday that this includes more than 70 combat and logistics vehicles and thousands of rounds of ammunition for Challenger 2 tanks. There will also be a £50 million support package to fund the repair of broken equipment.
Ukrainian pilots will also be trained from next month to fly F-16 fighter jets, first in Denmark and then in Romania, outgoing Defense Minister Ollongren reported. It has been agreed with the eleven countries with which the Netherlands is in the so-called "jet fighter coalition" that a special training center will be set up in Romania.
France announced yesterday that it would deliver long-range missiles. The AFP news agency reported that these are Anglo-French-made Scalp missiles that can cover 250 kilometers, the greatest range of any Western weapon delivered to Ukraine to date.