Kiev, Sept. 29, (dpa/GNA) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Thursday during his second visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February last year.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Stoltenberg said that Ukrainian troops are “gradually gaining ground” in the counteroffensive against the Russian invaders.
“Every metre that Ukrainian forces regain is a metre that Russia loses. And there is a stark contrast: Ukrainians are fighting for their families, their future, their freedom. Moscow is fighting for imperial illusions,” he said.
Zelensky announced a new joint document setting out practical steps for Ukraine to reach NATO standards.
His government has for months been pushing for Ukraine to become a full member of both NATO and the European Union once the war with Russia is over.
In July, NATO leaders agreed the alliance would extend an invitation to Ukraine to join but, to Kiev’s disappointment, gave no concrete timeline.
“Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before,” Stoltenberg said, mentioning the defence alliance had put Ukraine on a “shortened” path to membership.
Zelensky also expressed thanks for continuing support from NATO members, while stressing the need for further assistance in cybersecurity and air defence.
Following the meeting, Zelensky said Ukraine deserved to become a member of NATO.
“And it will. Absolutely,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“And this is not just our Ukrainian ambition. It is the only effective security perspective for Europe guaranteeing real lasting peace.”
He added the country was “working to make practical progress” towards NATO membership.
The meeting was kept secret for security reasons. Stoltenberg last visited Ukraine on April 20.
GNA