Blinken and top Zelensky aide discuss bringing Ukraine closer to Nato
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Ukrainian servicemen resting on a self-propelled howitzer near the front-line city of Chasiv Yar, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, on June 30.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, Mr Andriy Yermak, on July 2 discussed Nato members’ intention to bring Ukraine closer to the alliance, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
Their meeting in Washington came before a Nato summit in the US capital next week, at which Ukraine hopes to secure more assurances from the alliance on its membership bid.
Mr Blinken has said Ukraine will become a member of Nato, and that the summit will “help build a bridge” to that outcome.
“They spoke about a number of issues, including the upcoming Washington Nato Summit and allies’ intention to bring Ukraine closer to Nato membership and helping to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian aggression,” Mr Patel told reporters at a regular press briefing.
On July 2, Mr Blinken and Mr Yermak also discussed efforts led by the Group of Seven nations to “enhance the resiliency” of Ukraine’s energy grid, which has come under Russian attack in recent months, Mr Patel said.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, igniting the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II. REUTERS
