NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg indicated that Ukraine will receive a "positive message" regarding its bid to join the Western military alliance during their summit on Tuesday, stating, "I expect the allies to send a clear, united, and strong message about Ukraine's membership path." He confirmed that "Kyiv will receive more military assistance, security guarantees, and facilitated formal membership conditions, in addition to a new form of cooperation with the alliance called the NATO-Ukraine Council."
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the meeting will send a "positive signal" regarding Kyiv's request to join the alliance. Diplomats expressed optimism as negotiators approach a final agreement. U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated Washington's commitment to the alliance, saying, "Our pledge to stand with you is unshakeable."
The summit is also expected to approve the first comprehensive defense plans for the alliance since the Cold War in response to any Russian aggression.
*Ukraine is fighting and awaiting*
Moscow criticized the two-day summit, previously stating that NATO's eastward expansion was a primary reason for its invasion of Ukraine nearly 17 months ago. A senior Russian diplomat in Vienna warned that Europe would be the first to face "catastrophic consequences" if the war in Ukraine escalates.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, scheduled to attend the Vilnius meeting, is urging the alliance to chart a clear path for Ukraine's membership once the war concludes, stating, "Ukrainian forces are repelling Russian aggression against Europe." He added on Twitter, "The eastern borders of Ukraine, the borders of our state, and the positions of our fighters are the line that... the Russian dictatorship will never cross again."
Zelensky emphasized the value of allies, shared security, and open conversation, asserting, "Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius because it is about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect."
Eastern European NATO members supported Kyiv’s position, stating that integrating Ukraine under the alliance's collective security umbrella is the best way to deter Russia from launching another attack. Czech President Petr Pavel, a former army chief and NATO advisor, mentioned that Ukraine lacks the necessary air power and ammunition for its slow-moving counteroffensive. He urged alliance member states to refrain from delaying military assistance.
He said before attending the summit, "Whatever is achieved by the end of this year will be the basis for negotiations." The Lithuanian ambassador to NATO mentioned that the summit will commit to providing Ukraine with €500 million annually in non-military aid, including medical supplies and demining assistance.
A European diplomatic source indicated that the G7 nations would announce security guarantees for Ukraine immediately after the NATO summit. Norway stated it would increase military assistance to Kyiv, with Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt telling Reuters, "It's important that they win. It's important for our shared security."
