Ukraine can become NATO member, but first it needs to defeat Russia – Stoltenberg

He said this during a press conference in Brussels on February 15.

"NATO's position on Ukraine has not changed – Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance, but the main focus now is to make sure that Ukraine wins the war. The only way for Ukraine to join the Euro-Atlantic integration is to assure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign and independent nation. So, the main focus of the Alliance now is to provide Ukraine with weapons, supplies and ammunition to push back the Russian invaders," NATO chief said.

He noted that work is also underway on a longer-term partnership to help Ukraine move from Soviet-era weapons, doctrines and standards to NATO standards, and to carry out reforms in the security and defense sector.

"This will bring Ukraine closer to the Alliance. The best proof that the support works is the progress that Ukraine has on the battlefield," he added.

• Stoltenberg said that Russia's aggression in Ukraine is the biggest security crisis in Europe since World War II. At the same time, NATO member states are providing unprecedented assistance to Kyiv.