Ukraine’s presence at NATO Summit in The Hague crucial – FM Sybiha

This was stated by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during an online address to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s spring session, which is taking place in Dayton, the USA, according to Ukrinform, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that NATO allies must send clear signals of unity, strength, and resilience, especially amid the intensifying Russian aerial terror, which escalated significantly on May 24.

“In just the last three days, Russia has launched a total of 995 missiles and drones against Ukraine — nearly a thousand in three days. Last night, Russia carried out a combined attack using 364 missiles and drones, which is an absolute record of terror. This is clear evidence that Putin is not seeking peace. He seeks only war, death, and destruction,” Sybiha stated.

He urged NATO member states to use all diplomatic, political, economic, and military tools to strip Russia of any illusions about winning the war.

“Increased sanctions pressure on Russia, combined with military and financial support for Ukraine, is the right response to Russia’s mockery of peace initiatives,” the minister noted.

Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peaceful efforts and said that Kyiv continues to insist on an unconditional and durable ceasefire.

The Ukrainian top diplomat also highlighted Ukraine’s progress in implementing NATO standards and best practices, while integrating its own innovations. He briefed the Alliance members on the achievements of Ukraine’s defense industry and emphasized the goal of enhancing defense self-sufficiency for both Ukraine and the rest of Europe.

As Ukrinform reported, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, at a joint press conference in Brussels on May 22, asked journalists to “wait a little longer” for confirmation on whether President Volodymyr Zelensky will be invited to the NATO Summit, scheduled for June in The Hague.