Zelensky expects Ukraine to be invited to NATO at Vilnius summit

A decision should be made at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July on a clear invitation for Ukraine to join the Alliance and on providing the country with security guarantees on the path to this membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a summit of the European Political Community in Chisinau on Thursday, June 1, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"In the summer in Vilnius, at the NATO summit, a clear invitation for Ukraine to join the Alliance is needed, just as security guarantees on the path to membership are needed. A clear positive decision on Ukraine's membership in the EU is also needed," Zelensky said, calling 2023 "the year of decisions."

He emphasized that Ukrainians, who prove with their blood their devotion to the freedom and values of a united Europe, have not yet heard any positive answer regarding Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO. According to him, this situation also makes the hopes of other countries "completely illusory" and brings disappointment among their citizens.

"Russia is afraid of NATO and tries to absorb only those who are outside the boundaries of collective security. And Russia is trying to wage a 'frozen war' on the territory of its neighbors, if it can't swallow the whole country at once," Zelensky said.

He noted that a peace summit is being prepared this year to implement the Ukrainian peace formula, and it is important to be decisive in making positive decisions for Ukraine.

"Positive decisions for Ukraine will be positive for everyone," Zelensky said.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine