As part of the NATO Summit in The Hague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the leaders of the E5 group of countries (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The parties discussed in detail the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air shield amid the increasing number of strikes Russia is carrying out against civilians. The main focus was on air defense systems and interceptors for Iranian “Shahed” drones.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared that Russia is intensifying its offensive operations and shows no willingness to end the war. That is why pressure on the Russian Federation must be increased, primarily targeting the energy and banking sectors, the shadow fleet, and implementing secondary sanctions.
The President emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s ability to rely on the Alliance and NATO Member States.
“Thank you for your great support of our nation, our warriors – truly heroic people. Air defense, training missions with jets, and new aid packages – we are grateful for all of these,” the Head of State said.
Mark Rutte noted that this Summit sent a clear message: NATO’s commitments to Ukraine remain, and this is enshrined in the Summit’s declaration.
“You can count on us now and in the future, so that you can defend yourself, that you are stronger at the negotiating table, that you can deter aggression in the future, and on your irreversible path into NATO,” the Secretary General of the Alliance stressed.
Mark Rutte reminded that the E5 countries and other partners have already announced significant support, including air defense systems, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, drones, and ammunition. In addition, the Alliance has over 70 projects aimed at building the future strength and security sector of Ukraine, which is making Ukraine’s path to NATO irreversible.
