Main statements and photos of NATO chief Stoltenberg’s visit to Kyiv
20 April, 07:04 PM
Jens Stoltenberg and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, April 20, 2023 (Photo:Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS)
In an unexpected move, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Ukraine for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, to meet in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He arrived ahead of the 11th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on April 21, 2023.
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NATO chief Stoltenberg visits KyivNV has collected the main statements and best photos of the NATO chief’s visit.
Stoltenberg’s statements:
- Invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to participate in the NATO summit in Vilnius from July 11-12, 2023.
- Expects at the Vilnius summit that “members of the Alliance will confirm their support for Ukraine, which will be provided for as long as it takes.”
- Ukraine’s rightful place in NATO. We will make it happen.
- Admitted that the issue of membership, guarantees will be an important element of the agenda at the Vilnius summit.
- Arrived in Kyiv on April 20 with a simple message: NATO stands with Ukraine.
- Russian aggression must be stopped.
- Spoke in support of the peace formula initiated by President Zelenskyy.
Video of day
Meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jens Stoltenberg in Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS
Meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jens Stoltenberg in Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS
Jens Stoltenberg during a joint briefing with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: REUTERS/Alina Yarysh
Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint briefing with Jens Stoltenberg in Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: REUTERS/Alina Yarysh
Zelenskyy’s statements:
- Ukraine interprets Stoltenberg’s first visit as a sign that the Alliance is ready to start a “chapter of ambitious decisions” in relations with Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy hopes that a package of security guarantees for Ukraine will be approved at the Vilnius summit.
- We want to understand when Ukraine will join NATO. Kyiv is waiting for specific next steps.
- There is “not a single objective barrier” that would prevent the adoption of political decisions on inviting Ukraine to NATO.
- Asked Stoltenberg to help Ukraine with the supply of long-range weapons, aviation, and artillery.
- During the Ramstein summit, we will discuss the weapons that Ukraine is waiting for, the training of our pilots, and long-range weapons.
Jens Stoltenberg at an exhibition of damaged military equipment of the Russian occupiers in the center of Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Jens Stoltenberg at an exhibition of damaged equipment of Russian invaders in the center of Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Jens Stoltenberg commemorates the fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv, April 20, 2023 / Photo: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Jens Stoltenberg in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, April 20, 2023 / Photo: Anatoly Fedoruk via Telegram
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