The leaders of the G7 nations have announced a framework to protect Ukraine against any future aggression from Russia. The assurances come after Ukraine missed out on a timeline for its NATO accession.
Biden vows unwavering support for Ukraine
US President Joe Biden used a speech after the conclusion of the two-day NATO summit before a cheering crowd in Vilnius to vow that the West will not abandon Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.
"We will not waver," he said in the courtyard of Vilnius University, saying that President Vladimir Putin had expected NATO to "break" — but "he thought wrong."
"When Putin, and his craven lust for land and power, unleashed his brutal war on Ukraine, he was betting NATO would break apart. He thought NATO would break. He thought our unity would shatter at the first testing. He thought democratic leaders would be weak. But he thought wrong," Biden said.
"The defense of freedom is not the work of a day or a year. It's the calling of our lifetime — of all time," Biden said, adding that NATO is "stronger, more energized and yes, more united than ever in its history."
Biden's speech aimed to rally allies and showcase his role on the world stage ahead of a 2024 re-election campaign focused on healing divisions at home and abroad.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at NATO summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the NATO summit following the announcement of a framework of security guarantees for the country against any future Russian attacks.
Britain 'not Amazon' for weapons to Ukraine — UK defense secretary
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the United Kingdom was not an Amazon delivery service for weapons to Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv could express more "gratitude" to its allies in the face of Russia's invasion.
"There is a slight word of caution which is, whether we like it or not, people want to see gratitude," Wallace told British media on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Vilnius.
Wallace also recalled that, after receiving a list of weapons requests from Ukraine last year, he told officials in Kyiv: "I am not Amazon."
Asked about Wallace's remarks, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "has expressed his gratitude for what we have done on a number of occasions."
Erdogan says he will put Sweden's NATO ratification to Turkish parliament in autumn
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would forward a bill to ratify Sweden's NATO accession to parliament when it reopens in autumn.
"There is a two-month parliament holiday," Erdogan said. "There a lot of legislative proposals to discuss" once lawmakers return in October, he added.
Speaking at a news conference after the NATO summit in Vilnius, Erdogan said Sweden would provide a road map for Turkey regarding the steps it will take against terrorism before the ratification.
Erdogan also said he was "more hopeful than ever" for the sale of F-16 fighter jets from the United States after he held talks with President Joe Biden a day earlier.
Biden's administration will move ahead with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey in consultation with Congress, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday, a day after Ankara gave the green light for Sweden to join NATO.
Macron says Russia is militarily 'fragile' while Ukraine has lasting support
French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia was "politically and militarily fragile," while Ukraine had received lasting commitments of support from its allies.
"Russia has shown its first signs of division," Macron said at a press conference after the NATO summit in Vilnius, referring the recent failed mutiny by the mercenary Wagner group.
He also said the G7's declaration on a security framework for Ukraine showed its long-term support for Ukraine.
Macron added that he hoped Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would quickly ratify Sweden's entry to NATO.
Stoltenberg says issue of NATO Japan office 'still on table'
The question of whether NATO will open an office in Japan is "still on the table," Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the conclusion of the alliance's summit in Vilnius.
"The issue of the liaison office is still on the table," Stoltenberg told a press conference. "It will be considered in the future."
France has put a hold on plans for the office, stressing that NATO should maintain its focus on the North Atlantic area. Other NATO members have stressed that the office would be small and focused on fostering regional relationships, and would not have any military role.
French President Emmanuel Macron said it was important that NATO remain true to its origins of being a North Atlantic-based organization, and that the alliance should not give out the impression of wanting to extend its geographical remit.
"Whichever way you look at it, geography can be stubborn. The Indo-Pacific is not the North Atlantic. Therefore we must not give out the impression that NATO is somehow looking to build up a legitimacy or presence geographically installed in other regions," Macron told a news conference at a NATO summit.
China said in May that such an office would not be welcomed in the Asia-Pacific region.
G7 nations unveil security framework for Ukraine
G7 countries announced an international framework that paves the way for long-term security assurances for Ukraine to boost its defenses against Russia and deter the Kremlin from future aggression.
In a joint declaration, which other nations can join, the United States, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, Italy and Britain, as well as the European Union, said the framework encompassed elements including modern advanced military equipment, training, intelligence sharing and cyberdefense.
In return Ukraine, would pledge improved governance measures, including through judicial and economic reforms and enhanced transparency.
US President Joe Biden said the G7 would assist Ukraine in building a powerful military while it waits to be allowed into NATO.
"We're going to help them build a strong capable defense across land, air and sea," Biden said at a ceremony with the other G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Vilnius.
Biden said "Ukraine's future lies in NATO" and the G7 had made a clear statement that its support would last long into the future after the declaration outlined a multilateral framework.
"We’re going to be there as long as it takes," Biden said.
Speaking alongside Biden, Zelenskyy said the multilateral accord, which paves the way for bilateral negotiations with countries, was a "significant security victory" for Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the security pledges to Ukraine issued by several countries within a G7 framework were meant to be part of long-term strategy to support Kyiv.
"It is about a security partnership that's urgently needed and that will enable the participating countries to specify their contributions (to Kyiv), embedding these contributions in a longer-term strategy that Ukraine can rely on," he told reporters.
