Yesterday at 20:01
The defense ministers of the United Kingdom and Germany stated this during a press conference at NATO headquarters following the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
The ministers were asked how perceptions of Ukraine’s role had changed after the recent drone attack on Poland, and whether there was now an understanding within the Alliance that Ukraine is already contributing to collective security and “should have a place in NATO.”
“The short answer is yes,” replied UK Defense Secretary John Healey, before elaborating on his position.
“There is growing understanding and recognition of Ukraine’s importance and its involvement in training troops from NATO countries,” he noted, adding that the attack on Poland was a turning point.
“The recent incursions of (Russian drones – EP) into European airspace, when Ukraine offered its assistance, demonstrated to many that Ukraine is not only fighting for its own future. Ukraine’s unique combat experience already is, and will continue to be, a contribution to Europe’s overall security,” the British minister explained.
“I can only agree with that,” added German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, supporting his colleague.
It is worth noting that while the UK has traditionally supported Ukraine’s NATO membership, Germany had long been more skeptical on this issue.
