NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, ahead of the NATO Summit.

The two leaders discussed the security situation in and around Ukraine, and Russia’s unacceptable military build-up. The Secretary General reaffirmed NATO’s full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that NATO will continue to provide significant political and practical support to Ukraine.

The Secretary General noted that Allied leaders will address Russia’s aggressive behavior and NATO’s strong support for partners at the upcoming Summit. He underlined that Allied leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to NATO’s Open Door Policy, and to the decisions taken at the Bucharest Summit.

The Secretary General also welcomed Ukraine’s efforts to implement major reforms, which support its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He encouraged Ukraine to move ahead with essential reforms in the security and defense sector and stressed that NATO will continue to support Ukraine on this path.