Ukraine appeals to NATO chief for membership and more arms

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told visiting NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg that Kyiv needs additional weapons to confront Russia and that NATO should offer membership.

Zelenskiy spoke during a joint news conference with Stoltenberg, who offered NATO’s solidarity with Ukraine on his first visit to Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly 14 months earlier.

The Kremlin stated earlier on Thursday that its “special military operation” in Ukraine intended to prevent it from joining a hostile bloc, thus the NATO secretary-general’s visit was certain to irritate it.

Zelenskiy claimed a NATO Summit in Vilnius in July might be “historic” and that he had been invited.

“I am grateful for the invitation to visit the summit, but it is also important for Ukraine to receive the corresponding invitation,” Zelenskiy added.

“There is no objective barrier to the political decision to invite Ukraine into the alliance and now, when most people in NATO countries and the majority of Ukrainians support NATO accession, is the time for corresponding decisions.”

NATO has sent weaponry to Ukraine during the battle, but Zelenskiy claimed more were needed. He asserted all weapons delays killed Ukrainians.

Stoltenberg said the July NATO summit would focus on Ukraine’s membership and security. “Mr. President, NATO supports Ukraine,” he stated. “NATO stands with you today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.”

After the Kremlin annexed four Ukrainian territories, Ukraine applied for fast-track NATO membership in September.

On a conference call with reporters, the Kremlin restated its opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.

“…otherwise it will present a serious, significant danger to the security of our country,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned.

Stoltenberg’s visit to Kyiv is crucial in Russia’s nearly 14-month assault, which has killed thousands, dislocated millions, wrecked cities, and decimated the Ukrainian economy.

Ukraine intends to recapture terrain in the south and east in a counteroffensive after weathering a Russian winter and spring offensive that achieved only limited advances in the east.

Stoltenberg began his journey a day before NATO defense officials review new military supplies for Ukraine at their current summit at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Denmark and the Netherlands pledged 14 Leopard 2 tanks Thursday.

Washington promised $325 million in military aid on Wednesday, including HIMARS ammo, sophisticated missiles, and anti-tank mines.