Andriy Yermak: Inviting Ukraine to NATO now would be a vital step to strengthen Europe's security

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak took part in the conference "The Washington NATO Summit: Ukraine and Transatlantic Security". The event was attended by about 300 participants, including former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former US national security and foreign policy officials, as well as current members of European governments.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that during the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., its participants should make a decision that will help strengthen the Alliance and protect its member states.

"Inviting Ukraine now would be a vital step to strengthen the security of Europe and the entire Euro-Atlantic community. It would show: Russia cannot dictate its will to the Alliance. The aggressor should not set its own red lines. However, this would be a red line for Russia itself," said Andriy Yermak.

He also added that the Ukrainian army today is one of the most capable and motivated in Europe. Over the ten years of fighting the Russian occupiers, our warriors have gained extensive combat experience.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen also called on world leaders to make important decisions, in particular regarding Ukraine's membership in the Alliance and support for our country.

"We must change our approach to aid. We are giving too little too late," the former NATO Secretary General said.

He also reminded that the rationale and concrete proposals for Ukraine's future membership in the Alliance are contained in the report of the International Task Force on Security and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine published last week.