September 30, 2022—After Russia took four territories in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky applied to the NATO security alliance to fast-track Ukraine’s application.
“Today, here in Kyiv, in the heart of our country, we are taking a decisive step for the security of the entire community of free nations,” Zelensky said today in an address to his nation.
Zelensky asserted that Russia would have attacked other countries, such as the Baltic states, Poland, Moldova, and Georgia if Ukrainians had not stopped them.
“Security has no alternatives. But determination is needed to guarantee it. We are taking our decisive step by signing Ukraine’s application for accelerated accession to NATO,” Zelensky said.
-The Kyiv Post, September 30, 2022
Seven months into the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a ceremony at the Kremlin to formally “annex” four regions in Ukraine: Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia. He said it is the “inherent right” of the people in those territories to join the Russian Federation based on their “historical affinity.”
NATO Alliance Buttresses Its Support
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s attempted annexation of territory wouldn’t change the NATO alliance’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. He said the greater danger for the alliance would be inaction.
“This land grab is illegal and illegitimate,” Stoltenberg said in a press conference on Friday. “We remain resolute in providing support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.”
Stoltenberg also said sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines is a deep concern and investigations are ongoing.
NATO ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels Oct. 12-13.
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