WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement ahead of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) summit in Vilnius, Lithuania:
“Sixteen months after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brazen and unprovoked invasion, the Ukrainian people have repeatedly demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience in defending their homeland and their people. For more than a year, brave Ukrainians have put their lives on the line not only to defend themselves, but the fundamental principle that every nation has the right to live in peace and security, to represent the will of its people, and to determine its own fate. Indeed, rather than advancing his imperialist agenda, President Putin’s invasion has reinvigorated alliances and partnerships dedicated to these very principles.
“The upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania represents the latest opportunity to recommit to those fundamental principles and reaffirm that Ukraine’s rightful and future place is firmly within the alliance. We must redouble our ongoing efforts to support Ukraine’s efforts to become a full-fledged member of NATO. Doing so should include specific plans for sustained commitments from members through NATO mechanisms, as well as ongoing bilateral commitments.
“As the United States and international partners continue to provide critical immediate military support, we must prioritize training and long-term security sector reform with an emphasis on NATO interoperability to ensure the smoothest integration when Ukraine becomes a member. Membership for Ukraine will make a formal ally out of Europe’s most experienced fighting force, and create a major asset as we address new and historic challenges posed by Russia, China, and other emerging threats.
“I look forward to welcoming a formal Ukraine-NATO Council where NATO and Ukraine will consult and make decisions on an equal basis.
“Beyond Ukraine, I expect member states to fully commit to two percent of GDP spending on defense support as a floor. I commend those states who have achieved this or accelerated specific plans to do this.
“Additionally, I expect the alliance to continue to build upon the Strategic Concept that emerged from last year’s Madrid summit, which recognizes other challenges to international peace and stability, including the People’s Republic of China’s actions that threaten our interests and values.
“Finally, I am pleased to lead efforts to expeditiously welcome Finland and Sweden into NATO last year, and I sincerely hope all member states will move swiftly to approve Sweden’s formal accession.
“There remains strong bipartisan political support both for NATO as an institution, and for continuing critical support for Ukraine. I look forward to continuing to strengthen this vital alliance and partnership.”
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