BRUSSELS - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the Alliance's efforts to support Ukraine's government with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk at NATO Headquarters on Dec. 15.
The Secretary General praised Ukraine’s commitment to its partnership with NATO despite challenging circumstances, and pledged ongoing political and practical support.
“Your visit just underlines the strong partnership between NATO and Ukraine. We also very much appreciate that we are able to develop our partnership. And especially because the people of Ukraine have chosen the path of democracy and closer cooperation with Europe,” Stoltenberg said.
Stoltenberg underlined that a sovereign and stable Ukraine, firmly committed to democracy and the rule of law, is key to Euro-Atlantic security. “NATO will stand by you as you work towards that goal,” he said.
The Secretary General said that five trust funds created by NATO to help Ukraine improve its own security are now up and running.
“They aim to make Ukraine’s defense forces more modern, more transparent, and more effective,” the Secretary General said adding that NATO’s contributions are in addition to bilateral support provided separately by allies.
Russia’s continued actions to destabilize Ukraine were also discussed. “Mr. Prime Minister, you have shown a real desire to find a peaceful solution to this crisis,” the Secretary General said.
Calling the Minsk agreements “the best way to a peaceful solution,” Stoltenberg praised Ukraine’s efforts to implement the accords, and called on Russia to do the same.
