KYIV: On his first visit to Kyiv since Russia's invasion just over a year ago, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg defiantly stated that Ukraine deserved to join the military alliance and pledged continued support for the nation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, urged Stoltenberg, who has been instrumental in garnering support from Nato members, to push for even more from them, including armored equipment, warplanes, and artillery.
The Kremlin has provided a variety of justifications for the war, but it reiterated on Thursday that one of the primary objectives of the invasion was to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, arguing that Kyiv's membership in the alliance would be an existential threat to Russia.
Stoltenberg stated at a press conference, "Let me be clear, Ukraine's rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family." Ukraine ought to be a member of NATO. He claimed that he and Zelenskyy talked about a NATO support program. Stoltenberg stated, "This will assist you in transitioning from Soviet-era equipment and doctrines to NATO standards and guarantee complete interoperability with the alliance." Today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes, Nato is with you.
He mentioned Denmark and the Netherlands' announcement on Thursday that they would provide Ukraine with at least 14 more refurbished Leopard 2 battle tanks beginning in early 2024. In the meantime, the Ukraine Space Agency stated that a bright light that appeared in the night sky above the country the day before was most likely a meteorite entering the atmosphere.