NATO Summit Highlights Ukraine in Official Statement – Last Minute News Update
“Ukraine’s Future Lies in NATO” – Vilnius Summit Reiterates Commitment
The recent Vilnius Summit has reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to Ukraine’s membership and stated that Ukraine’s future lies within the alliance. This statement echoes the promise made to Ukraine at the 2008 Bucharest Summit. The summit also addressed other crucial issues, including the Black Sea situation, China’s policies, and the relationship with Russia.
Regarding the Black Sea, NATO emphasized its support for regional efforts aimed at maintaining security, safety, stability, and freedom of navigation. The alliance pledged to increase situational awareness and closely monitor developments in the region.
The summit also addressed China’s assertive and coercive policies, which pose a challenge to NATO’s interests, security, and values. While expressing openness to constructive engagement with China, the statement called for mutual transparency. Additionally, China was urged to condemn Russia’s actions and refrain from providing arms support.
Addressing concerns from Russia, NATO clarified that it does not create a threat to the country. The alliance firmly condemned Russia’s illegal annexations, including Crimea, and called for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. NATO expressed its unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of its security for the alliance and its allies. The alliance also announced the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council as a platform for political dialogue and cooperation.
The statement also condemned Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and underscored the desire for predictability in NATO-Russia relations. NATO emphasized that a change in these relations can only occur if Russia ends its aggressive behavior and adheres to international law. The alliance pledged to respond to Russian threats with unity and responsibility, developing tools to counter hybrid actions.
In terms of technological superiority, NATO stressed the need for continued defense against terrorism and the importance of cooperating with international actors. The alliance recognized the need for modernizing and reforming forces and capabilities through the integration of innovative technologies.
NATO highlighted its commitment to the reliability, effectiveness, safety, and security of the nuclear deterrent mission. Plans for nuclear force flexibility and adaptability will be updated, and the modernization of nuclear capacity will continue. The alliance also emphasized that the NATO Ballistic Missile Defense program serves purely defensive purposes.
Addressing Iran’s role in the Ukraine war, NATO called on the country to cut its support for Russia. The summit also expressed support for Moldova’s territorial integrity and called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Transnistria.
Finally, the summit concluded with the announcement of future gatherings. The 2024 summit is set to take place in Washington, marking the 75th anniversary of NATO’s founding, followed by the Netherlands in 2025.
Overall, the Vilnius Summit reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to Ukraine’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration while addressing various regional and global challenges.
