NATO commits to expanding partnership with Ukraine
On November 29-30, a landmark NATO summit was held in Bucharest, Romania (Photo:REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov)
NATO pledges increased support for Kyiv, with member states expanding their partnership ties with Ukraine as it “advances its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” the alliance said in a joint statement after a summit meeting in Bucharest, Romania, on Nov. 29.
“We condemn Russia’s cruelty against Ukraine’s civilian populations and violations and abuses of human rights, such as forcible deportations, torture, and barbaric treatment of women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations,” the statement reads.
The statement emphasized that all those responsible for war crimes – including sexual violence – must be held accountable. The Alliance also condemns Belarus and other countries that actively contribute to Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.
“We will continue to strengthen our partnership with Ukraine as it advances its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” the message said.
The member states reiterated their commitment to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and their pledge to never recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. They promised to increase political and practical support for Ukraine and to support Kyiv for as long as it takes.
“We firmly stand behind our commitment to the Alliance’s Open Door policy,” the statement added.
“We reaffirm the decisions we took at the 2008 Bucharest Summit and all subsequent decisions with respect to Georgia and Ukraine.”
On Nov. 29-30, a NATO summit was held in Bucharest, Romania. Foreign ministers of allied member states gathered in the same city where Ukraine and Georgia were confirmed to become NATO members, back in 2008. Ultimately, neither country was given the NATO Membership Action Plan.
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