Ukraine to join NATO's JATEC training centre in Poland - Stoltenberg

He said this at a briefing following a meeting of NATO defense ministers.

"Our allies have grown stronger, but Ukraine needs predictable assistance in the long-term future. Today, NATO defense ministers agreed on a plan for security assistance and exercises for Ukraine. More than 99% of Ukraine's military assistance comes from NATO Allies. That is why it is very important that Kyiv receives predictable assistance in the short and long term. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has received more than $40 billion in aid from its allies every year. We must do everything we can to ensure that this support remains at this level," Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General said that NATO defense ministers had agreed on a roadmap for innovation for Ukraine, which includes the country's accession to the JATEC training centre in Poland.

"If we are talking about reliable long-term commitments for Ukraine, it shows the Kremlin that they will not be able to wait us out. All these initiatives bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership. Today, it is very important that the Ukrainian army has adopted NATO standards. In particular, procurement and the defence industrial base. Today we have developed the first innovation roadmap for Ukraine. Ukraine will join the JATEC training centre in Poland. Also, NATO defence ministers have developed an industrial pledge for Ukraine to underpin our long-term cooperation," he added.

• On June 13, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraine has the right to use Western weapons to strike Russian territory in self-defense.