(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced in his nightly video address on Sunday that a previously-announced meeting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council has been scheduled for Wednesday. The meeting, requested by Zelenskiy in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, will primarily discuss Black Sea security and the situation following Russia’s withdrawal from a year-old deal overseeing grain exports from Ukrainian ports.
Zelenskiy stated that the meeting date was agreed upon immediately after his conversation with Stoltenberg. He emphasized the significance of the meeting in strengthening Ukraine’s defense and mentioned that new support packages were being prepared, including additional air defense, artillery, and long-range weapons.
NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu confirmed that the meeting would address the operation of a corridor for grain exports. The event will take place at the level of ambassadors, unlike the council’s inaugural meeting at NATO’s summit in Vilnius, which was attended by heads of state or government. Lungescu further explained that the meeting would focus on maintaining the smooth operation of grain exports.
The NATO-Ukraine Council meeting holds great importance for Ukraine as it seeks to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of regional security challenges. Zelenskiy’s proactive approach in requesting the meeting demonstrates his commitment to effectively addressing the issues at hand. The meeting will provide an opportunity for NATO and Ukraine to collaborate and strategize on Black Sea security measures, ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
Reporting by Elaine Monaghan, Editing by Nick Zieminski
Credit: The Star : News Feed
