Ukraine wins G7 security pledges but its NATO membership remains elusive

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed fresh pledges of weapons and ammunition to fight Russia’s invasion along with longer-term security commitments from the West on Wednesday even as he expressed disappointment over the lack of a clear path for his country to join NATO as the alliance wrapped up its annual summit.
“The Ukrainian delegation is bringing home a significant security victory for the Ukraine, for our country, for our people, for our children,” he said while flanked by U.S. President Joe Biden and other leaders from the Group of Seven most powerful democratic nations.
A joint declaration issued by the G7 lays the groundwork for each nation to negotiate agreements to help Ukraine bolster its military over the long term. Zelenskyy described the initiative as a bridge toward eventual NATO membership and a deterrent against Russia. Biden said, “Our support will last long into the future. We’re going to help Ukraine build a strong, capable defense.”
The Ukrainian and American presidents also met privately along with their advisers, and Biden pledged later that “the United States is doing everything we can to get you what you need.” He acknowledged that Zelenskyy is sometimes “frustrated” by the pace of military assistance.Zelenskyy thanked Biden, saying that “you spend this money for our lives,” and said shipments of controversial cluster munitions would help Ukraine’s fight against Russia…Source:ctvnews.ca/world