Nato boss Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine to join bloc in 'long term' - BBC News

But Jens Stoltenberg says it first needs to fight off the assault from Russia and remain independent.

2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin in HelsinkiBy Alexandra FouchéBBC NewsNato chief Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine will become a member of the alliance in the "long-term", but for now it needs to remain independent in the face of Russia's invasion.

Ukraine has sought to join the US-led military alliance for years.

After Russia's invasion of the country, President Volodymyr Zelensky asked for that request to be fast-tracked.

Ukraine also applied for EU membership days after Russia invaded, and gained candidate status in June.

"Nato allies have agreed that Ukraine will become a member of our alliance, but at the same time that is a long-term perspective," Mr Stoltenberg told reporters during a visit to Finland's capital, Helsinki.

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