G7 defence ministers support Ukraine's "irreversible path" to NATO membership

The defence ministers of the G7 countries support Ukraine's irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.

Source: a joint statement following a meeting in Naples, European Pravda reports

Details: In the statement, the ministers emphasise their intention to continue to provide aid to Ukraine, including military aid in the short and long term.

Quote: "We stand by Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership." 

The ministers stressed the importance of continuing to support the learning and training needs of the Ukrainian defence forces.

Quote: "We welcome the respective efforts of NATO and the EU through the NATO Security Assistance and Training Program for Ukraine and the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, which will also support the long-term development and reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including military aid."  

The ministers believe that the priority should be finding solutions to create a Ukrainian army that is fully compatible with the standards of G7 and NATO member states, capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring further attacks in the future.

Quote: "We reaffirm that our ultimate goal remains the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law, as outlined in the UN Charter and its principles, which respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine." 

Background: 

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented his five-point Victory Plan. The first point calls for an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.
• Commenting on the Victory Plan, the White House said there is no consensus within NATO regarding Ukraine's accession to the Alliance. 
• US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has said that Ukraine's NATO membership requires appropriate reforms and the fulfilment of security conditions. 

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