NATO should increase assistance in training Ukrainian Armed Forces – Stoltenberg
He said this during a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, February 25, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the head of state.
The president stressed the importance of cooperation with NATO to maintain security in the Black Sea. He spoke in favor of expanding the Alliance's activities in the Black Sea region and noted that Ukraine is interested in increasing the presence of NATO forces in the Black Sea.
The Alliance’s secretary general noted that NATO will make efforts to increase its presence in the Black Sea, and has already begun to do so.
According to Stoltenberg, both NATO and Allies should increase their assistance in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a bilateral basis. Stoltenberg said he would insist on that.
He also noted that the Alliance will consider how to strengthen support for Ukraine's military within the current comprehensive assistance package.
Stoltenberg also thanked Ukraine for its participation in NATO missions.
"We continue our participation in NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Ukraine is ready to take part in the current and future operations of the Alliance," the president assured.
As Ukrinform reported, during a press conference following talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Brussels on February 9, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO Allies recognize Ukraine as a potential candidate for NATO membership and support Ukrainian efforts to join the Alliance.
On June 12, 2020, the North Atlantic Council recognized Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner.
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