Stoltenberg: Ukraine now has enough capabilities to liberate land

“NATO is already providing unprecedented assistance. I am confident that Ukrainian forces now have the capabilities they need to liberate more occupied land. But we need to do more,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said following the Informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Oslo, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He stressed that the Allies are working on a multi-year package of support for Kyiv with robust funding.

“This will ensure Ukraine’s deterrence and defence for the longer-term, help rebuild its security and defence sector, and transition Ukraine from Soviet-era doctrines, equipment and training to full interoperability with NATO,” Stoltenberg said.

According to him, upgrading the existing NATO-Ukraine Commission to a new NATO-Ukraine Council was discussed at the meeting in Oslo.

“This would be a significant step. To establish a joint consultative forum with Ukraine, sitting at the table as equals. To discuss key issues for our security,” the NATO Secretary General said.

As noted, the Allies also addressed Ukraine’s membership aspirations.

“All Allies agree that NATO’s door remains open. That it is only for Allies and Ukraine to make decisions on membership. Russia does not have a veto,” Stoltenberg emphasized.

He underscored that all Allies agree that Ukraine will become a member of NATO, but the most important thing now is to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign and independent state.

“We don’t know when the war ends. But we must ensure that, when it does, we have credible arrangements in place to guarantee Ukraine’s security in the future. And to break Russia’s cycle of aggression,” the NATO Secretary General stressed.

As reported, NATO Summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12.