NATO chief reiterates support for Ukraine in a surprise visit to Kyiv
- 29 April, 11:15
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the alliance will step up provision of military aid to Ukraine despite the alliance’s failure to live up to its promises of military aid to Kyiv. Stoltenberg made the remarks during his unannounced visit to Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Monday. He met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyand is set to address the Ukrainian Parliament.
Stoltenberg praised Zelenskyy’s leadership and the bravery of Ukrainian forces and civilians and invited the Ukrainian President to attend the NATO Summit in Washington in July. Addressing the press conference with Stoltenberg, Zelenskiy spoke about a possible military aid package worth EUR 100 billion.
"Today we discussed Jens's initiative to create a special Fund to financially support Ukraine’s defenses in the amount of EUR 100 billion for a period of five years," Ukrainian Ukrinform website quoted Zelenskiy as saying. "It is important that this is not at the expense of bilateral volumes, earmarked in our agreements on security guarantees," Zelenskiy said.
Earlier, Stoltenberg posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “It’s important to visit Kyiv again and meet with President Zelenskyy. The situation is difficult, but it is not too late for Ukraine to prevail – and more support is on the way.” The proposal to provide Ukraine with a 100 billion euro five-year package of military aid to Ukraine was first voiced by NATO chief on April 2.
