NATO reaffirms commitment to Ukraine and welcomes Sweden into the alliance

VILNIUS- In a decisive response, NATO has reaffirmed its commitment to an Open Door policy, Article 10 of the Washington Treaty, and Ukraine's sovereignty. The alliance also extended a warm welcome to Sweden as a full member, following an agreement with the NATO Secretary General, the President of Türkiye, and the Swedish Prime Minister.

Terrorism, in its various forms and manifestations, also poses a considerable asymmetric threat to global peace, prosperity, and the security of NATO members, according to Vilnius Summit Communiqué issued by NATO Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Vilnius.

The security environment is defined by strategic competition, pervasive instability, and recurrent shocks. This is particularly exacerbated by conflicts and instability in Africa and the Middle East, directly affecting the security of NATO and its partners, it indicated.

Peace in the Euro-Atlantic area has been disrupted, with the Russian Federation violating norms and principles contributing to the region's stability and predictability. As such, the Russian Federation is identified as posing the most significant direct threat to NATO members' security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Russia is squarely blamed for its unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, which has severely undermined Euro-Atlantic and global security, it added.

“NATO stands in unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine, supporting their inherent right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. NATO affirms its commitment to step up political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The alliance appreciates the efforts of all Allies and partners in supporting Ukraine,” according to the communiqué.

The NATO community fully said it fully endorses Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements, affirming that Ukraine's future lies within NATO. This commitment echoes the pledge made at the 2008 Summit in Bucharest, stating that Ukraine will become a NATO member. The alliance acknowledges Ukraine's substantial progress on its reform path and increased interoperability with the Alliance, moving beyond the need for the Membership Action Plan.

In an effort to further integrate Ukraine with NATO, a substantial package of expanded political and practical support has been agreed upon. The establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council aims to advance political dialogue, engagement, and cooperation, with Ukraine and Allies sitting as equal members.

The Alliance  said it continues to prioritise the delivery of urgently needed non-lethal assistance to Ukraine through the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP). Since the Madrid Summit, Allies and partners have committed over 500 million Euros to the CAP. This package aims to help rebuild the Ukrainian security and defense sector and transition Ukraine towards full interoperability with NATO.