Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Sweden to NATO on Thursday.
Kyiv:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed Sweden’s entry into NATO on Thursday, and Ukraine also hopes to join the alliance after the war ends.
Sweden’s move was spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ended two centuries of non-alignment.
“Today, it is worth noting that yet another country in Europe is better protected from the evil of Russia,” Zelensky said in an evening speech.
Russia has vowed to take “countermeasures” against Sweden joining NATO, especially if the alliance’s troops and assets are deployed in the country.
Zelensky added: “During the period of Russian aggression… everyone saw how important it was to maintain alliances and partnerships.”
He has been urging allies to set a timetable for joining NATO once the Russian invasion is defeated.
The leaders agreed that Ukraine could join the alliance once peace is restored but insisted that certain conditions should be met.
“One day, Sweden will also be able to congratulate Ukraine on joining the alliance,” Zelensky said.
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