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Ukraine’s priorities include joining NATO, implementing decisions from the Washington Summit of the Alliance, and jointly intercepting Russian missiles and drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv. This visit marks Rutte’s first official trip abroad as the head of the North Atlantic Alliance. The President highlighted that this visit clearly outlines the priorities regarding the protection of shared values across Euro-Atlantic nations.
“Our key goal is full membership for Ukraine in the Alliance. Ukraine can become the 33rd NATO member. Ukrainians deserve this,” said the President.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation prospects, the Victory Plan, and the realism of Ukraine’s approach to achieving a just end to the war, as well as the situation on the battlefield and the needs of Ukrainian units, particularly regarding weapons and brigade staffing. “Ukraine needs to strengthen its positions on the front to increase pressure on Russia for the sake of fair, realistic diplomacy. That is why we need sufficient quantity and quality of weapons, particularly long-range weapons, which, in my opinion, partners are already delaying,” noted Zelenskyy.
A separate focus of the conversation was on air defense needs. It is crucial for Ukraine that all agreements regarding air defense, especially those reached at the NATO Summit in Washington in July, are implemented before winter. Additionally, the leaders discussed enhanced interaction with neighboring countries, using the example of the Middle East.
“Jointly intercepting Iranian missiles is no different from intercepting Russian missiles or Iranian Shahed drones, which connect the Russian and Iranian regimes. More determination from our partners in the region is essential to put an end to Russian terror,” emphasized the President.
Mark Rutte stated that as NATO Secretary General, he would do everything possible to strengthen support for Ukraine.
“Your security is important to us; your struggle for freedom reflects our core values and principles,” he said. According to the NATO Secretary General, member countries plan to increase their defensive capabilities and strengthen Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex.
“Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before. We will continue on this path until you become a member of our Alliance. I look forward to that day,” emphasized Mark Rutte.
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