Stoltenberg invites Zelensky to NATO summit in Vilnius

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg invited Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky to the NATO summit in Vilnius.

The summit will take place on 11-12 July, Stoltenberg says in an interview with LRT.

Stoltenberg noted the participation of the Ukrainian leader in the NATO summit will be a sign of solidarity and support.

"I invited President Zelensky to participate in the NATO summit in Vilnius. I firmly believe that this will be a strong sign of our solidarity, the support that allies give to Ukraine, and I hope that Mr. Zelensky will be able to attend. Of course, this will depend on the situation in Ukraine, which is still in the midst of a war." Stoltenberg said.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Lithuania Petro Beshta stated in February that President Zelensky plans to personally attend the NATO summit in Vilnius.

The ambassador said Ukraine is waiting for an invitation.

Since the beginning of russia's full-scale war, Zelensky has visited the USA, Great Britain, France and Brussels.

Stoltenberg expressed hope that new steps and measures and long-term support for Ukraine will be agreed at the summit.

The Secretary General also said whether putin might change his intentions to continue the war.

"I am afraid the only language that president putin understands is our unity and strength. It is for this reason that we must stick together. president putin made two major strategic mistakes when he invaded Ukraine. He completely underestimated the Ukrainians – their courage, determination of the Ukrainian armed forces and leadership", Stoltenberg added.

On September 30, 2022 (after putin informed about the annexation the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine), President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application for Ukraineʼs accelerated accession to NATO.

Prime Minister of Great Britain Rishi Sunak said NATO should finish the development of the project of security pledge for Ukraine before the Vilnius summit in July.