NATO: Ukraine advances in offensive

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg addressed reporters at a press conference he held ahead of the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting on June 15-16.

Noting that the defense ministers meeting took place when Ukraine was making a major counterattack, Stoltenberg said that Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov will brief NATO members on the situation on the ground.

“It’s still the early days of the offense,” Stoltenberg said. We do not know if this will be the turning point of the war. But we see the Ukrainians making progress and claiming more land.” saying.

Emphasizing that the more Ukraine wins, the stronger its hand will be at the negotiating table, Stoltenberg said: “As Ukraine gains territory, the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin will understand that he cannot win in the field of battle and bargain for a just peace increases.” he used the phrase.

POSSIBLE AFFILIATION OF UKRAINE TO NATO

Responding to a question about Ukraine’s possible NATO membership, Stoltenberg said that the NATO door is open and they showed it by inviting Finland and Sweden to join.

Stating that the Allies had previously agreed on many issues related to Ukraine’s NATO membership, Stoltenberg reminded that Ukraine will become a member when the right time comes.

“When this war is over, we must ensure that credible agreements are put in place to ensure Ukraine’s security so that history does not repeat itself and Russia does not rest, re-arm and launch another attack.” saying.

Stating that they will give a strong message to emphasize solidarity with Ukraine at the NATO Vilnius Summit on July 11-12, Stoltenberg said that “Ukraine’s future lies in NATO.”

In an interview with USA Today, Stoltenberg answered questions about Ukraine’s NATO membership. Stoltenberg said that Ukraine will eventually be invited to become a NATO member, on the other hand, “I don’t think there is any expectation that this will happen in Vilnius.” he said.

Stating that Ukraine’s membership application should be addressed, Stoltenberg noted that there are ongoing consultations among NATO allies in this context.

Emphasizing that Ukraine’s most urgent priority is its victory in the war, Stoltenberg said he hoped further decisions on concrete support for Ukraine would be made at the NATO summit next month.

Stating that the alliance is working on a multi-year support package that is expected to be accepted at the summit, Stoltenberg noted that such a package will help Ukraine meet NATO membership standards.

MEETING OF NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS

Defense ministers from 31 NATO member countries will meet tomorrow at NATO headquarters in Brussels with a focus on Ukraine in a two-day meeting.

The NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting will take place on the first day. Its aim is to elevate the Commission to the level of the Council in the next period.

Therefore, it is desired to raise the political level of NATO-Ukraine relations and cooperation. It is claimed that when the mechanism, which does not have a decision-making structure at the Commission level, becomes a Council, it will be possible to make decisions thanks to structures such as sub-committees.

After the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, the meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, which was formed under the leadership of the USA, will take place. Here, Reznikov will convey the developments in the field to the countries of NATO and the military needs of Ukraine will be discussed.

NATO deterrence and defense strengthening will also be discussed at the two-day NATO meeting. The talks will include regional plans. These plans call for a new NATO force structure. When the regional plans are implemented, more than 300,000 soldiers will be at the high readiness level. A significant number of air and naval forces will support them. In addition, the command and control arrangements will be harmonized with the new requirements.

During their two-day meeting, the defense ministers are expected to agree on the establishment of a new Center for Critical Undersea Infrastructure Security within NATO’s British Navy Command.

NATO’s agenda is intense

During the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting, meetings with defense industry companies will also take place.

In this context, small, medium and large-scale defense industry manufacturers were invited to Brussels for informal meetings.

During the meetings, the ministers are expected to discuss topics such as increasing production, ensuring the continuity of supply chains and increasing cooperation with defense industry representatives. Ukraine and the European Union will also participate in the talks.

The goal is for Ministers to evaluate the Defense Production Action Plan and for the plan to be adopted during the Vilnius Summit.

The plan aims to quickly eliminate deficiencies in arms and ammunition stocks, provide joint ammunition, and increase joint operability of ammunition and materials.

During their two-day meeting, NATO ministers will also attend the Nuclear Planning Group Meeting to discuss the nuclear weapons dimensions of the current security environment and review ongoing efforts to harmonize NATO’s nuclear deterrence. (AA)