NATO is where Ukraine "should belong," according to the alliance's commander

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Ukraine's "rightful place is in NATO" during his first visit to the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. He discussed a multiyear support initiative with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which would help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era equipment and doctrines to "NATO standards." Stoltenberg said that since last February, the alliance's allies have delivered more than 150 billion euros of support, including 65 billion euros of military aid. Zelensky echoed Stoltenberg's calls to reaffirm ties between Ukraine and NATO, saying his visit is a sign the alliance is ready to start a new chapter with Kyiv. He added there is no objective barrier to political decisions on inviting Ukraine into the NATO alliance, after Finland's accession reignited calls from Kyiv to join. Ukraine wants to know when they "will be in NATO" and wants to have specific guarantees of security approved in Vilnius if there is an opportunity to do so.