NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg outlined preparations for the Vilnius Summit in July at the Brussels Forum on Wednesday (24 May 2023). The Brussels Forum is an annual event organised by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
In a session titled "The Road to Vilnius", moderated by Helene Cooper of the New York Times, the Secretary General stressed that NATO Allies are providing unprecedented support to Ukraine and are determined to sustain it for as long as it takes. At the Vilnius Summit, Allied leaders will further strengthen the political relationship with Ukraine, as well as NATO practical support for the longer term.
He made clear that Russian President Putin underestimated the bravery, the resolve and the courage of Ukraine, but he also underestimated NATO. "He didn't expect at all our unity, our resolve to support Ukraine. And we have provided a lot of support over a long period of time," said Mr Stoltenberg. The Secretary General stressed the importance of Europe and North America working together in NATO in a more dangerous and competitive world.
