ISTANBUL

Ukraine must take part in NATO’s summit in the Netherlands later this month, where strong decisions are also necessary, Kyiv said Tuesday.

“We emphasize that not only Ukraine's participation is needed, but also a strong decision from this summit,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi told a press briefing in the capital Kyiv.

Mentioning how President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to take part in the summit in The Hague on June 24-25, Tykhyi called this invitation “important.”

“For us, as a state, the content of the meeting is important and it is important for us that the results of the summit should send a signal of strength and unity, including regarding Ukraine, because work is currently underway to secure these final decisions,” Tykhyi said.

He argued that a NATO summit is impossible without Kyiv’s participation due to the ongoing security challenge of the Russia-Ukraine war being faced by the alliance, adding that NATO “must project strength.”

Tykhyi noted that Zelenskyy also received invitations to attend the upcoming EU and G7 summits, but that his participation in the summits will be decided as the dates draw closer.

He said it is “too early” to talk about a new round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, following the ones last week, adding that the humanitarian aspect of the talks is moving forward while a lack of sufficient international pressure on Russia is hindering the political part.

“In order for there to be some movement on the political path and a diplomatic settlement, pressure is needed – there are no other options,” Tykhyi said.

He also said that Ukraine is in active dialogue with the US over purchasing weapons, including Patriot air defense systems and other capabilities.

“I am convinced we will be able to find the modalities of a solution that will allow us to receive the required American weapons and equipment, licenses, if necessary, and other things,” he added.