One of the main topics of the defense alliance meeting is support for Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the special guest of honor.
On Wednesday, he will meet US President Joe Biden, an anonymous source informed CNN.
The NATO leaders are expected to support a multi-year support package to help Ukraine modernize and adapt its defense to NATO. They are also expected to agree to install a new NATO-Ukraine Council.
Want an invitation
It is more difficult to agree on a statement on Ukraine’s future NATO membership. Already in 2008, NATO promised that the door to the defense alliance is open, although without specifying a timetable.
Zelenskyy now wants a clearer promise of NATO membership when Russia’s war of aggression is over. He has the support of several NATO countries, above all in Eastern Europe. However, NATO decisions are always made by consensus.
— Even if different positions are expressed, it is still clear that Ukraine deserves to be part of the alliance. Not now – it’s war, but we need a clear signal. And we need this signal right now, says Zelensky in a speech on Monday evening.
Want weapons
In connection with the summit, Ukraine will hold several important bilateral meetings at various levels with, among others, the United States, Canada, Japan and several European countries, says Zelensky.
— The priorities are completely clear: air defense for our cities, for all communities throughout the country.
Weapons for the front line are also on the wish list.
— I am sure that there can be good weapon-related news for our fighters, says Zelensky.