NATO fumbles with indecision ahead of Vilnius summit
3 Min Read
Zelensky warns that indecision presents the alliance as being weak, which is to the benefit of Russia.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels after a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on December 16, 2021. (AFP)
At a press conference during his visit to Slovakia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the NATO alliance to resolve its indecision regarding Sweden and Ukraine's membership, AFP reported.
"This is very important for the security of the whole world," Zelensky said.
Zelensky, who has been increasingly frustrated with the cautiousness of his Western allies in meeting Ukraine's demands, warned that indecision presents the alliance as being weak. The Ukranian chief added that expanding the alliance by admitting Ukraine and Sweden "is very important for the security of the whole world."
"I believe that the situation with the aggressor, with Russia, depends on this. Because Russia is counting on the world to show weakness and disunity in the Alliance, and this cannot be allowed."
Zelensky's visit to Slovakia comes after his visit to the Czech Republic, and is expected to be followed by a visit to Turkey to hold talks with President Erdogan later today in anticipation of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Zelensky said he expects "positive results or at least some steps towards the positive outcome" at the Vilnius summit scheduled next week.
He also said he expects to receive "defense packages" at the summit. "And not just promises, but with clear deadlines."
In the same context, it was also reported today that President Erdogan seemed to leave leeway for Sweden's NATO accession as he was quoted saying by AFP that Turkey would "make the best decision, whatever it is" at next week's alliance summit in Vilnius.
"On Tuesday in the leadership summit to be held in Vilnius, we will be discussing (Turkey's concerns) with our partners. We will make the best decision, whatever it is," he said in televised remarks.
Read more: Turkey to discuss Sweden's accession to NATO in Brussel
Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO last year, citing changes in the European security picture because of the Ukraine crisis. As Finland went on to become a member, Turkey, and Hungary stymied Sweden's bid, with Budapest citing grievances over Stockholm's criticism of Hungary's Prime Minister and Ankara accusing Sweden of harboring what it considers Kurdish terrorists and, most recently, meddling in Turkish elections.
Erdogan stated that mere changes in Swedish law regarding terrorism are insufficient for Ankara to approve its NATO bid.
Back in May, shortly after Erdogan's reelection, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said it was "absolutely possible" to decide on Sweden's NATO membership before the alliance's summit scheduled to take place on 11-12 July 2023, in Vilnius.
Read more: NATO to agree on Ukraine accession, but only 1-2 years after war: MoD
