Ukraine will receive an invitation to join NATO when "all allies agree, and conditions are met" — Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraine will receive an invitation to join NATO when "all allies agree and the conditions are met."

He said this during a press conference at the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

The leaders of the member states approved a support package for Ukraine, which includes:

- cancellation of the requirement to fulfil the MAP for membership;

- a long-term military assistance programme;

- the launch of the NATO-Ukraine Council, an expanded platform for consultations in crisis situations. The first meeting will take place on July 12 with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to Stoltenberg, the process of Ukraine's accession to the Alliance will consist of one step, not two.

"What the Allies have agreed today is a positive message to Ukraine on its path to NATO membership. This includes practical assistance to ensure full interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces," Stoltenberg said.

Allies are also providing "significant military assistance" to Ukraine to ensure that Ukraine wins the war. Without Ukraine's victory, Ukraine's accession to the Alliance is out of the question, the NATO Secretary General said.

In addition, the Allies have agreed on a system to verify that Ukraine meets the conditions.

Among the conditions that Ukraine has to fulfil is a set of reforms, particularly in the defence sector.