The capital of Ukraine was hit by a drone strike last night, without causing any injuries. The Ukrainian authorities attribute this attack to Russia while their president is on his way to Vilnius. The Ukrainian president is taking part in a summit bringing together the 31 member countries of the Atlantic Alliance (NATO), Tuesday July 11 and Wednesday July 12 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Ukrainian President is counting on “a clear signal” from Westerners. As the Ukrainian counter-offensive continues, the Ukrainian president hopes to obtain commitments on future Ukrainian membership. Follow our live.
No “calendar” say the United States. But NATO will trace “a way of reform” so that Ukraine can join the Alliance, announces the national security adviser of the White House. Before the start of the summit, diplomats are always looking for the right formula. For as long as the war lasts, all the member countries recognize that Ukrainian membership would be synonymous with world conflict. The Kremlin has already mentioned the consequences “very negative” what this rallying would mean for European security. NATO could, however, exempt Ukraine from a stage to move forward more quickly in the accession process.
“Ukraine deserves to be part of the Alliance.” VSis the message that Volodymyr Zelensky has been hammering for weeks, but he does not seem to be counting on a lightning procedure, decided at this summit: it is not “not now because now it’s war, but we need a clear signal and this signal is needed now”, insisted Volodymyr Zelensky in a message posted on Telegram. The Ukrainian president will meet his American counterpart, Joe Biden, on Wednesday.
New military aid hoped for by Ukraine. After the announced deliveries of cluster bombs, the States are discussing with France, the United Kingdom and Germany new supplies of weapons. Since Russia invaded Ukraine just over 500 days ago, tens of billions of dollars worth of equipment has already been delivered to Ukraine.
Sweden could become the 32nd member country. This is the aube at stake in this summit. On Monday, Turkey agreed to Swedish membership, “a historic day”, rejoiced its secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg. The Alliance could therefore expand again, after welcoming Finland in April, which is attending its first summit in Vilnius.