politics
Zelenskyy Says Ukraine's Capabilities Qualify It for NATO
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told a NATO defence industry forum that Ukraine's battlefield technology and strikes deep inside Russia make membership logical. He called for more air-defence systems and said Ukraine is now a security provider rather than a recipient.
Jul 7, 7:37 AM·1m read2 sources
SK
AssetVeto unchanged
EuronewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NATO's Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara that Ukraine should join the alliance because its forces already possess advanced defensive capabilities. He said Ukraine has shifted from security recipient to provider and that its rapid technological adaptation has created "a source of extraordinary defensive capability" for Europe.
" Zelenskyy asked.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian drones have eliminated Russia's strategic rear by striking oil facilities far from the front line. On Monday, Ukrainian forces hit an oil refinery in Omsk more than 2,500 km from the border, he said. "This is not an exception. It's the new reality and there is no major oil refinery left in Russia that has not been struck by Ukraine," Zelenskyy stated.
The only major gap Ukraine and Europe still face is anti-ballistic air defence, Zelenskyy said. "Those who defend life need more Patriots," he added, urging faster European production of comparable systems. Zelenskyy is expected to request a Patriot interceptor production license when he meets U.S. officials in Ankara on Wednesday.
" — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, Ankara.
