Biden, Sunak agree on further support for Ukraine during meeting in London
US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met in London to discuss the upcoming NATO summit and support for Ukraine
This is stated on the White House website.
“The leaders reviewed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. They reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression,” the statement says.
At the same time, according to a Downing Street spokesperson, the politicians also discussed the Ukrainian army's counteroffensive and emphasized the importance of the country's international partners committing to its long-term defense, providing the support Ukraine needs to win this war and secure a just and lasting peace.
Sunak and Biden also agreed on the need to provide Sweden with a fast track to full NATO membership, CNN quoted a Downing Street spokesman as saying.
The statement concludes by saying that both leaders recognize the importance of their friendship and the continuation of the close dialogue they have had for several months.
Ukraine's path to NATO membership
Ukraine hopes to receive clear decisions on joining the Alliance in July during the NATO meeting in Vilnius. On May 23, Ukraine's ambassador to NATO, Natalia Galibarenko, mentioned that Ukraine is preparing two cooperation packages (political and practical), which will be presented for discussion during the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius.
On May 30, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba outlined three key points that define Ukraine's vision for a successful outcome at the NATO summit in Vilnius. "Strengthen Ukraine-NATO institutional ties and assistance. Take a step toward UA membership. Provide security guarantees on Ukraine’s path to NATO."
On June 10, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister, Volodymyr Havrylov, expressed his belief that the July NATO summit in Vilnius will set the algorithm for Ukraine's accession to the Alliance.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Ukraine will become a NATO member in the future, but due to the ongoing war, specific dates for accession cannot be determined. However, he is confident that during the Vilnius summit, the member countries will work towards finding a solution regarding Ukraine's progress.
On June 15, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for Ukraine's membership in NATO with 425 votes in favor.
On June 16, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on NATO chief Stoltenberg to drop the Membership Action Plan (MAP) if Ukraine joins NATO.
On July 10, NATO reached a consensus on the abolition of the MAP for Ukraine.
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