Ukraine’s rightful place is in Nato, says Sunak
The Prime Minister is in Moldova for a gathering of European leaders, with his comments coming after a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ukraine’s “rightful place” is in Nato, Rishi Sunak has said.
The Prime Minister is in Moldova for a gathering of European leaders, with his comments coming after a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Kyiv has long called for Ukraine to be admitted to Nato, but allies are divided about when and how any accession might happen as the war with Russia continues.
Mr Sunak, speaking to broadcasters at the European Political Community summit, gave little further detail of the UK position on the Ukrainian path to membership.
The gathering, on the border of Ukraine, comes ahead of a key meeting of Nato leaders in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July.
“I agree with the Nato Secretary General that Ukraine’s rightful place is in Nato and what we are also talking to Ukraine about right now is making sure they have all the support they need for a successful counteroffensive,” the Prime Minister said.
He said he was “proud” of the UK’s record in supporting Ukraine, adding: “We want to make sure we put in place security arrangements for Ukraine for the long term, so we send a very strong signal to Vladimir Putin that we are not going anywhere, we are here to stay and we will continue backing Ukraine – not just now, but for years into the future.”
The UK has been among the most vocal backers of Ukrainian requests for support in the face of the Russian assault since last year’s invasion.
Mr Sunak, in a tweet, said it was “always a privilege” to meet Mr Zelensky.
He wrote: “We’re working with international partners to ensure Ukraine has the combat air capability needed to repel ongoing Russian aggression.”
The Government has also offered support to Moldova, amid ongoing tensions with Moscow.
“As the first British Prime Minister to visit Moldova, I’m pleased to announce new support to aid them in the face of Russian aggression,” Mr Sunak tweeted on Thursday.
“Moldova is not alone.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.