Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met ahead of the NATO summit, discussing Ukraine's ties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its path to membership.
"Good afternoon, everyone. It is, as always, a great pleasure to have my colleague, my friend, Dmytro Kuleba, here as we start the NATO summit," Secretary Blinken stated. He emphasized that the summit would further strengthen Ukraine’s relationship with NATO and that a strong package for Ukraine would emerge from it.
Blinken highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure Ukraine's stability in various domains. "We’ve been working closely together to make sure that as things move forward, Ukraine has what it needs to stand strongly on its own feet militarily, economically, democratically," he said. He condemned a recent attack on Kyiv's largest children’s hospital by Russian forces as particularly despicable.
"Our commitment – and not just our commitment, the commitment of dozens of countries around the world to Ukraine and to its defense – that continues," Blinken affirmed.
Foreign Minister Kuleba reciprocated Blinken's sentiments and expressed gratitude for U.S. support. "Thank you for finding time," he said. Referring to the missile attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv, he noted that such actions set the agenda for their meeting.
"This attack on Ukraine’s future – because children are our future – shall not remain unresponded," Kuleba declared. He expressed his intention to discuss further strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and sought U.S. assistance in rebuilding and re-equipping the damaged hospital.
Kuleba also acknowledged the importance of air defense agreements reached with NATO leaders. "I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership and friendship and cooperation," he concluded.
The meeting underscored ongoing international support for Ukraine amid continued aggression from Russia.
