The time has come to clearly formulate Ukraine’s political invitation to join NATO. Such a step would be an important milestone for both Ukraine and NATO, as Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance is the only guarantee of lasting peace and stability in Europe in the future.

This was underlined by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, during a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at ambassadorial level, the last high-level political event on the eve of the NATO Summit in Vilnius on 11-12 July.

“Every decision taken must reflect the historic nature of this moment for the security and future of Europe. Only by demonstrating resolve can we neutralise the appetite for new military aggression. Ukraine will become a valuable asset to the Alliance, and we stand ready to share all our unique military experience with NATO and strengthen its eastern flank,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

In her speech, Olha Stefanishyna informed the audience about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, noting that the mining of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant by russian occupiers is a crime in itself and requires a firm response from the Allies. She also noted that russia’s blowing up of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant showed that russia was ready to commit any crime. Olha Stefanishyna thanked the representatives of NATO member states for their assistance in countering the aggression and overcoming its catastrophic consequences.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that despite the constant challenges and threats of war, Ukraine continued to implement its reform programme. She also thanked the partners for strengthening the Comprehensive Assistance Package, noting the establishment of an effective structured dialogue between Ukraine and NATO on practical cooperation. Participants in the meeting stressed that the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the Vilnius Summit would also be an important step in the development of political relations between Ukraine and NATO. It is therefore expected that today’s meeting of the Commission will be the last in this format.

Prior to the NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister also held talks with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană, with the participation of Assistant Secretaries General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Bettina Cadenbach and for Operations Thomas Goffus. After the Commission, the Prime Minister also met with Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security David Cattler.