“In Ukraine, we believe it would simply be not smart to keep Ukraine outside of NATO. But this is exactly what Russia wants. Russia understands – better than some within the Alliance – who Ukrainians are, what Ukrainians are capable-of. That is why Russia began its hunt against our people, against our country. And these are the true root-causes of this war,” the President noted in his address.

The President also stressed to the Allies that the war today is completely different from what anyone once prepared for and different from what it was four years ago. This means that Allies and their armed forces must also adapt — and that only together with Ukraine can this be fully effective.

The Allies confirmed that their support for Ukraine remains strong and unwavering, and that NATO will continue to provide critically needed military assistance.