Ukraine meets NATO requirements, Estonian chief diplomat says
There is no discussion in NATO about whether Ukraine meets the military requirements for joining the Alliance. It is the only country that uses NATO weapons, doctrine, tactics and ammunition to fight against Russia, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said.
Margus Tsahkna. Photo: PAP/EPA/TOMS KALNINS
„All NATO members understand that the requirement to submit a Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Ukraine must be removed. Ukraine is fulfilling the terms of the MAP by fighting Russia on the frontline,” Tsahkna was quoted as saying by Polish state news agency PAP.
He also highlighted that this month’s upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius must clearly communicate that there is no sign of fatigue among the allies about providing aid to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
„We must make it clear that we will support Ukraine militarily for as long as necessary … The consensus is that Ukraine will not join NATO as long as the 'hot war’ continues in the country. However, we need to clearly communicate that it will become a member of the Alliance when we think the time is right,” Tsahkna stressed.
Asked what the discussions surrounding the preparations for the summit are about, he said they „center around the wording of the joint communiqué.” Asked about the possibility of presenting Ukraine with security guarantees preceding its accession to the Alliance, he pointed out that „the only security guarantee for Ukraine is full NATO membership; all other agreements or assurances do not work.”
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Source: PAP
