NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Ukraine on Thursday (20 April 2023) to meet with President Zelensky and members of his government. Mr. Stoltenberg emphasized NATO’s continued support for Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. “NATO is with you today, it will be with you tomorrow and for as long as it takes,” he said.
During a press conference with President Zelensky in Kyiv, the Secretary General pointed out that NATO countries have provided more than 150 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and that the Allies have trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers over the years. “The Allies are now providing more planes, tanks and armored vehicles, and the NATO fund for Ukraine is being tapped for urgent support… All of this is making a big difference today to the battlefield,” said the Secretary General.
And to add: “The place of Ukraine is within the Euro-Atlantic family. Ukraine’s place is within NATO. And over time, our support will help make that possible.” Mr Stoltenberg stressed that a multi-year support initiative would help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era equipment and doctrines to NATO-standard equipment and ensure full interoperability with the Alliance, and he said that this initiative demonstrates NATO’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.
And to add: “We do not know when this war will end but we know that Russian aggression is toxic and that it must absolutely be ended. We must therefore continue to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces. And we must ensure that a robust and effective security apparatus is put in place for Ukraine”.
During his visit to Ukraine, the Secretary General visited Boutcha, where he honored the memory of the victims of atrocities committed by the Russians. He also laid a wreath at the foot of the wall of remembrance erected in honor of the fallen, and he paid tribute to all those who lost their lives or were injured in defense of their homeland.
Mr. Stoltenberg ended his visit by speaking at the International Summit of Communities and Regions, alongside President Zelensky. In his address, the Secretary General congratulated Ukraine on the work it is doing towards post-war reconstruction, and said: “Your determination to fight the aggressor, to liberate your country and to working for a better future gives me the conviction that Ukraine will win”.
This was Mr. Stoltenberg’s fourth visit to Ukraine as NATO Secretary General.
Source: NATO
