NATO recognizes Ukraine's aspiration to join the bloc, but the main priority now should be military support for Kiev, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday at a press conference following the first day of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting, TASS reports.
"Our meeting here in Bucharest is sending a strong message of NATO unity and of sustained support for Ukraine. In our meeting, we also addressed Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Foreign Ministers reaffirmed NATO’s support for Ukraine’s right to choose its own path. <….> We recognize and respect Ukraine’s aspirations for membership. However, our focus now is on providing immediate support as Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression," he said, adding that NATO doors remained open for new members.
The Secretary General also stressed that "allies made additional pledges to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine." "This will fund urgent non-lethal support, including fuel and generators," Stoltenberg pointed out.