At the upcoming NATO summit in June, it is extremely important to confirm that the Alliance remains strong and that Europe will not abandon its own security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his opening remarks at the summit of leaders of NATO's eastern and northern flanks in Vilnius, Ukrinform reported, BTA reported.
"I thank everyone who is doing everything possible to keep the relationship between Europe and America strong. We need the support of President Trump, the US Congress and the American people. Whatever happens in global competition, our common duty - of Europe, America and all who value freedom - is to defend it together. We need as many points of contact as possible, including at the NATO summit in June this year," Zelensky said.
According to him, one of the key principles of European security is that Russia cannot have a veto over NATO decisions or any influence on the Alliance or its members.
"This principle must remain in force. Euro-Atlantic security is the business of Euro-Atlantic countries. Putin chose to oppose Europe, so he has no place in deciding its future. And this should not change. It is important to confirm at the NATO summit in June that the Alliance remains strong and that Europe will not give up its own security," he added.
The President of Ukraine is in Vilnius for the Bucharest Nine and Scandinavian countries meeting.