NATO is a defensive Alliance. We are there NOT to provoke a conflict, but to PREVENT WAR. PRESERVE PEACE. 

 

And the peace NATO has ensured for over 70 years is the foundation for our prosperity and our way of life. NATO also relies on Slovakia.

 

I welcome your commitment to invest 2% of GDP on defence this year. Because better defence infrastructure and equipment are a deterrent to any adversary.

 

Russia has shattered peace in Europe, with its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam today puts thousands of civilians at risk. And causes severe environmental damage. This is an outrageous act, which demonstrates once again the brutality of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

 

NATO is not party to that war.

 

But we help Ukraine uphold its right to self-defence, which is enshrined in the UN Charter.

 

And I thank Slovakia for providing significant humanitarian and military support to Ukraine.

 

We must continue to support Ukraine so it can prevail as an independent sovereign state in Europe.

 

Because if President Putin wins, the message to him and to other authoritarian leaders will be that they can use force to achieve their goals.

 

And challenge other neighbours’ borders.

 

That would make all of us more vulnerable.

 

At the B9 meeting today we prepared the NATO Summit, which will take place in Vilnius in July.

 

At that Summit I expect Allies to agree a multi-year package of assistance.

 

So that Ukraine transitions from Soviet-era doctrines, training and equipment to NATO standards.

 

And to help it move closer to the Alliance.

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All Allies agree that NATO’s door remains open.  That Ukraine will become a member of NATO. And that is a decision that only Allies and Ukraine can make. Russia does not have a right to veto NATO enlargement.