This is an historic week. Tomorrow, we will welcome Finland as the thirty-first member of NATO, making Finland safer and our Alliance stronger. Such a statement made today the NATO Secretary General.

“We will raise the Finnish flag for the first time here at the NATO headquarters. It will be a good day for Finland’s security, for Nordic security, and for NATO as a whole. Sweden will also be safer as a result. Last year Allies made an historic decision to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO.

Since then we have seen the fastest ratification process in NATO’s modern history. And all Allies agree that Sweden’s accession should be completed quickly. NATO Foreign Ministers meet at an important moment for our security.

Tomorrow, we will hold the NATO-Ukraine Commission with Foreign Minister Kuleba. To address Russia’s war of aggression, and our support to Kyiv. We do not know when this war will end. But when it does, we will need to put in place arrangements so that Ukraine can deter future aggression. And history does not repeat itself. We cannot allow Russia to continue to chip away at European security.

I welcome President Zelensky’s peace plan, which upholds the principles at the heart of the UN Charter. It provides the foundation for a just and sustainable peace. But there are no signs that President Putin is preparing for peace. He is preparing for more war. That is why we are united in our determination to stay the course. And support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Allies have delivered 65 billion euros of military aid. And I welcome that modern battle tanks and other armoured vehicles have started to arrive in Ukraine. This can make a real difference on the frontlines, and allow the Ukrainian forces to liberate more territory. We will discuss how we can step up our support, including by continuing to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces. And supporting their transition from Soviet-era to NATO equipment and doctrine. Our support is for the long-haul. So I expect that ministers will agree to start work on developing a multi-year programme for Ukraine”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.