Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, “We are celebrating two years since the entry of Russian tanks into Ukraine, the start of the largest war in Europe since World War II.” He added in a speech reported by the Brussels-based NATO website, “Let me start by honoring all these brave Ukrainians.” Those who fell or were injured defending their homeland. The situation on the battlefield remains very dangerous. President Putin's goal of controlling Ukraine has not changed. There are no signs that he is preparing for peace.
But we must not lose heart. Ukraine has shown remarkable skill and determination time and time again.
Ukraine did not collapse in a matter of weeks, as many feared would happen. You have regained half of the territory that Russia seized. Russia was expelled from large parts of the Black Sea.
It inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces.
Above all, Ukraine maintains its freedom and independence. This has been made possible thanks to your courage and determination.
It was enabled by significant military and economic support from NATO allies.
In just the past days and weeks, NATO allies have announced new aid packages worth billions of dollars. These cover key capabilities such as artillery ammunition, air defense and combat boats. As well as equipment and spare parts for F-16 aircraft, drones, and mine clearance equipment.
More support is on the way.
President Putin started this war because he wanted to close the door to NATO and deprive Ukraine of the right to choose its own path. But it has achieved just the opposite: Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before.
We help make your forces more interoperable with allies.
Together we will open a new joint analysis, training and education center in Poland.
We are deepening our political relations through the NATO-Ukraine Council, where we consult and make decisions together.
Ukraine will join NATO.
It's not a question of if, but when. As we prepare you for that day, NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine. For your security and ours.