In a fiery statement ahead of the much-anticipated NATO summit, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky attacked the US-led military alliance and called it “absurd” that no deadline is being set for inviting the war-torn nation. To join the union. “We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate open dialogue. Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it’s about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on his way to Vilnius, President Zelensky wrote in a strongly worded statement on Twitter: “We have indications that Ukraine is being discussed without some words.”
“It is unprecedented and absurd when neither an invitation nor a deadline has been set for Ukraine’s membership,” he said.
It is noteworthy that during a meeting in 2008, NATO agreed that Ukraine would become a “member”. However, the non-governmental coalition did not specify how and when this might happen. The war started in February last year on the pretext of Ukraine’s desire to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Later, Zelensky clarified that “Kiev has no intention of joining the military alliance very soon”.
Meanwhile, Zelensky, who was on his way to Vilnius to attend the summit, expressed his dismay at the way the talks had gone.
Erdogan has no problem with Sweden
Earlier on Monday, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had no problem with Sweden joining the alliance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that NATO expansion was “one of the reasons why Because of which the present situation has arisen.” Peskov said, “It seems that the Europeans do not understand their mistake.” He cautioned against a rapid push for Ukraine to NATO membership.
“Potentially it is very dangerous for European security, it carries a huge risk,” Peskov said.
What is NATO and why is it important for Sweden to join?
According to NATO, it is an intergovernmental military alliance between 31 member states – 29 European and two North American. Its main objective is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.
According to a joint statement issued at the time of announcing the deal, Erdogan will ask Turkey’s parliament to approve Sweden joining NATO. Another holdout, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is expected to make a similar move. Hungary’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that his country’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership is now just a “technical matter”.