NATO Secretary General is hoping that the allies will agree on strong message on membership for Ukraine when they meet today in Washington during the 75th summit. In his doortsep speech Stoltenberg delivered brief remarks to reporters, promising a "substantial package" for Ukraine.

“I expect the allies to agree on substantial package which will consist of 5 elements. One is a NATO command for Ukraine to provide security assistance and training; a long-term pledge to continue and sustain our support; new announcements about the immediate military support including air defence and new bilateral security agreements between NATO allies and Ukraine. And then, finally, we will step up what we do to ensure full interoperability between the Ukrainian forces and NATO forces. All together these five elements constitute strong bridge for Ukraine to membership of the alliance. And I hope that the allies will reiterate the commitment that Ukraine will become member of NATO.

I expect that the allies will agree on strong message on membership for Ukraine. I will refrain to comment on the exact language until we have the statement agreed. I expect that the negotiations will conclude this evening and then I will be able to comment on the details.

On air defence, president Zelensky spoke to the defence ministers in April and that was when he asked for more air defence capabilities. We promised to work hard on that and allies have worked hard and we now have the announcement by president Biden and other allies that they will be able to deliver 5 new strategic air defence systems from USA, Italy, Romania, Netherlands and of course this is the significant contribution. So we are constantly working on how we can deliver more“, - Jens Stoltenberg said.