Speaking to the ”Brussels Sprouts” podcast hosted by the Center for a New American Security on Wednesday (7 June 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he expects the Summit in Vilnius to send a strong signal of support to Ukraine. He said that all Allies agree that NATO’s door remains open and that it is only for Allies and Ukraine to make decisions on membership.
Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that the most important thing now is to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign and independent state. He also pointed to other key priorities for the Alliance, including strengthened deterrence and defence, and a stronger commitment to increased defence spending. Mr Stoltenberg joined the podcast together with the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith.
