Cheers and Applause for the President

While NATO heads of state and government gathered at the conference center in Vilnius, Selenskyj was celebrated by supporters in the city. The Ukrainian president reiterated his demands, but NATO remains cautious.

Hope for NATO Accession

On the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj advocated for Ukraine's accession to the military alliance. "NATO provides security to Ukraine. Ukraine makes NATO stronger," Selenskyj said on a square in the city center, to the cheers of people waving Ukrainian flags.

Selenskyj Thanks the Lithuanians

"The Ukrainian flags on Lithuanian streets clearly demonstrate that we are already allies and that Ukraine defends its own freedom and yours," said Selenskyj. He also thanked the Lithuanians for welcoming many Ukrainian war refugees. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda embraced Selenskyj after his speech. The Ukrainian head of state was accompanied by his wife, Olena.

NATO Accession Under Discussion

Selenskyj's appearance stood in stark contrast to the summit of NATO heads of state and government, who convened a few kilometers away at a conference center in Vilnius. They linked their desired commitment to Ukraine's accession to a series of conditions, including a stronger fight against corruption and an end to the Russian aggression war.

NATO Accession on the Agenda

During the two-day NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, member states are primarily discussing the future relationship with Ukraine. Kyiv is pushing for a clear perspective on membership in the Western defense alliance. For over 16 months, Ukraine has been defending itself with Western assistance against the Russian invasion.