The Heads of State and Government have decided to establish the NATO -Ukraine Council, a new joint body where Allies and Ukraine sit as equal members to advance political dialogue, engagement, cooperation, Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations for Treaty membership.
In a Communiqué issued at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation NATO Summit in Vilnus on Tuesday, the Heads of State said this will support Ukraine’s further integration with NATO, and today’s agreement is a substantial package of expanded political and practical support.
The Heads of State added that this NATO-Ukraine Council will provide for joint consultations, decision- making, and activities, and will also serve as a crisis consultation mechanism between NATO and Ukraine.
According to the Communiqué, “Russia bears full responsibility for its illegal, unjustifiable, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, which has gravely undermined Euro-Atlantic and global security and for which it must be held fully accountable.
“We continue to condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s blatant violations of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and OSCE commitments and principles. We do not and will never recognise Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexations, including Crimea”.
They said further that there can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and other atrocities, such as attacks against civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure that deprives millions of Ukrainians of basic human services.
“All those responsible must be held accountable for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly against Ukraine’s civilian population, including the forced deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence.
The Heads of State noted that the destruction of the Kakhovka dam highlights the brutal consequences of war started by Russia, adding that the Russia’s war has had a profound impact on the environment, nuclear safety, energy and food security.
“Also, the global economy, and the welfare of billions of people around the world. Allies are working to enable exports of Ukrainian grain and actively support international efforts to alleviate the global food crisis”, they revealed.
The Heads of State appealed to Russia to immediately stop this illegal war of aggression, cease its use of force against Ukraine, and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and equipment from the territory of Ukraine.
They also urged all countries not to provide any kind of assistance to Russia’s aggression and condemn all those who are actively facilitating Russia’s war. “Belarus’ support has been instrumental as it continues to provide its territory, infrastructure to allow Russian forces to attack Ukraine and sustain Russia’s aggression”.
The Heads of State recognised that Ukraine’s path to full Euro-Atlantic integration has moved beyond the need for the Membership Action Plan while supporting Ukraine’s right to choose own security arrangements, saying Ukraine’s future is in NATO.
They reaffirmed the commitment made at 2008 Summit in Bucharest that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. “Ukraine has become increasingly interoperable and politically integrated with Alliance, and has made substantial progress on its reform path.
“In line with the 1997 Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine and the 2009 Complement, Allies will continue to support and review Ukraine’s progress on interoperability as well as additional democratic and security sector reforms that are required.
“NATO Foreign Ministers to regularly assess progress through adapted Annual National Programme. The Alliance will support Ukraine in making these reforms on its path towards future membership. We will be in a position to extend invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met”.
The Heads of State stated further that the continued delivery of urgently needed non-lethal assistance to Ukraine by NATO through the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) remains a priority.
They said, “Since the Madrid Summit, Allies and partners have committed over 500 million Euros to the CAP. To support Ukraine’s deterrence and defence in the short, medium, and long term, we have agreed today to further develop the CAP into a multi -year programme for Ukraine.
“The assistance provided will help rebuild the Ukrainian security and defence sector and transition Ukraine towards full interoperability with NATO. Allies will continue to fund the CAP in a sustained and predictable way. We highly welcome and encourage partner contributions”.
The Heads of State revealed that Russia is modernising its nuclear forces, including its large stockpile of theatre-range weapons, and expanding its novel and disruptive dual-capable delivery systems.
Berating Russia for using such dual-capable systems to attack civilians and critical civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, they condemned Russia’s announced intention to deploy nuclear weapons and nuclear-capable systems on Belarusian territory.
Stated that this further demonstrates how Russia’s repeated actions undermine strategic stability and overall security in the Euro-Atlantic area while condemning Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and coercive nuclear signalling.
They recalled the Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear Weapons States issued on 3 January 2022 on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races. We call on Russia to recommit – in words and deeds – to the principles enshrined in that Statement.
“Russia’s actions demonstrate a posture of strategic intimidation and underline the continued need for NATO to monitor all of these developments and adapt its posture as necessary.
“Allies will continue to work closely together to address the threats and challenges posed by Russia and reiterate that any use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear weapons by Russia would be met with severe consequences”, the Head of State added.
They seeked stability and predictability in the Euro-Atlantic area and between NATO and Russia, revealing that NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia. “In light of its hostile policies and actions, we cannot consider Russia to be our partner.
“Any change in our relationship depends on Russia halting its aggressive behaviour and fully complying with international law. We remain willing to keep open channels of communication with Moscow to manage and mitigate risks, prevent escalation, and increase transparency.
“At the same time, we will continue to consult on and assess implications of Russia’s policies and actions for our security, and respond to Russian threats and hostile actions in a united and responsible way”, the Heads of State said.