Zelenskyy: all NATO countries understand that Ukraine should be in the Alliance

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered his traditional evening address on the eve of the NATO Summit in Vilnius on 11-12 July. He said that all the countries of the bloc understand that our country should be in the Alliance.

The video address was posted on Telegram. He stressed that the NATO summit is now unthinkable without Ukraine, and noted that the event will take place on the 503rd day of the full-scale war, and this figure speaks of the strength of Ukrainians (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page).

"This says a lot about our strength - the strength of the Ukrainian people, who, in the face of such a war, after so many battles and days, have the strength without which the security of Europe is simply unimaginable... Everyone understands everything. Every leader, every state. Even if different positions are voiced, it is still obvious that Ukraine deserves to be in the Alliance. It's not a time for war, but we need a clear signal. And we need this signal right now," the President said.

Zelenskyy noted that this summit could be exactly what our country, the entire Alliance, and global security need.

"We are working extremely hard these days! Even more actively than ever. And although this work is almost one hundred per cent behind the scenes, its importance is no less than any public work. I am grateful to all the leaders, to every country, who say so and who have adopted the relevant joint declarations and statements with Ukraine on our integration. The majority of the Alliance is clearly in favour of us," the President said.

According to him, the courage of Ukrainian heroes has wiped away the dust of history and all the values that NATO was created to protect.

Zelenskyy called Ukraine's eastern border the border that will never be crossed by the Russian dictatorship, which has always tried to conquer the peoples of Europe in various forms.

"The reality of security here on NATO's eastern flank depends on Ukraine. When we applied to join NATO, we said frankly: de facto, Ukraine is already in the Alliance. Our weapons are the weapons of the Alliance. Our values are what the Alliance believes in. Our defence is the very element of the formula of Europe that makes it united, free and at peace. Vilnius must confirm all this," the Ukrainian leader said.

He acknowledged that the voting process is still underway, but assured that Ukraine will be in the Alliance.

"We are working to make the membership algorithm as clear and fast as possible. Our work for this - the work of the entire Ukrainian team - will continue every minute of these days. It is also important that bilateral meetings of various levels are scheduled in Vilnius - European countries, America, Canada, Japan... "The priorities are absolutely clear: air defence for our cities, for all communities throughout the country, and we are working to create a full-fledged air shield. This is also a weapon for the frontline - we will hold talks on this in Vilnius. Of course, we will also talk about other aspects of protecting life and our common security," Zelenskyy said, stressing that there could be good military news for the Armed Forces from Vilnius.

The Guarantor thanked all the defenders who are standing up for their country and bringing the Victory over Russian aggression closer.

"I thank you, Ukrainian soldiers, for this strength! I thank every soldier and sailor, every sergeant and petty officer, every officer and general! I thank everyone who trains our soldiers! Thank you to every volunteer and doctor who helps after injuries! I thank all our people who work for the sake of Ukrainian strength, Ukrainian victory!" - Zelensky said, adding that he was honoured to represent such people and such Ukraine.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Zelenskyy will arrive in the Lithuanian capital to meet with NATO leaders at the summit of the military alliance, which Ukraine is seeking to join. Zelenskyy will arrive in Vilnius on Wednesday, 12 July.

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