Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko held a meeting with Tanya Hartman, Head of the Eastern Partnership Policy Division of the NATO International Secretariat, who is currently on a working visit to Kyiv.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister emphasized that Russia demonstrates no readiness for a peaceful settlement, continuing its daily missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

In this context, particular attention was paid to ensuring sustained and adequate funding for the PURL initiative. The parties unanimously reaffirmed its critical role as a key mechanism for providing Ukraine with the necessary weaponry amid the ongoing armed aggression. Tanya Hartman confirmed the consolidated position of the Alliance Member States regarding the unwavering course of continued supply of critically important weapons to Ukraine through this mechanism.

The Ukrainian side received clear assurances that support for our State remains an unquestionable, long-term strategic priority for NATO. It was emphasized that Ukraine’s security is an integral part of the security of the Alliance.

The parties also drew attention to the escalation of threats from the Russian Federation in other regions of the Euro-Atlantic area.

Furthermore, the sides discussed the current state of preparations for upcoming key Alliance events: the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs on May 20-21 in Sweden; the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers, and the NATO Summit in Turkey. These events are expected to result in important decisions regarding further support for Ukraine.

Following the meeting, the representative of the NATO International Secretariat reaffirmed the Alliance's steadfast position on Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic prospects. “Ukraine will undoubtedly become part of the Alliance. Membership will become a reality once the necessary conditions are met. By that time, Ukraine must be fully prepared for this decision,” noted Tanya Hartman.