Video message

Dear Friends, 
I am grateful for President Zelenskyy’s invitation to address this summit of the Crimea Platform.
The Crimea Platform plays an essential role in strengthening Ukraine’s cooperation with the international community and enhancing dialogue.

Ukraine does not stand alone as it fights for freedom and its future.
NATO is with you.

We condemn the recent wave of air strikes against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
NATO Allies are providing critical military support.
With more air defence systems, including Patriots.
And with F-16s donated by Allies.
These weapons are now in action, defending Ukrainian skies and cities.

NATO’s support will go further and faster. 
Allies will continue to provide Ukraine with the weapons, ammunition and equipment it needs.
At the Washington NATO Summit, we agreed a major package of support. 
It will make Ukraine stronger, save lives and help Ukraine prevail.

• This includes a new NATO command to lead the coordination and provision of security assistance and training;
• 40 billion euros within the next year and a pledge to ensure sustainable funding for the long-term;
• And more military support, more security agreements, and more interoperability.

All this will help Ukraine defend itself today, and deter Russian aggression in the future.  
President Putin must understand that we will not waver - he cannot wait us out.
Ukraine’s future is in NATO and it is on an irreversible path to membership.

At the Washington Summit, Allied leaders were clear.
We will never recognise Russia’s illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.  
Crimea is not Russia, it is Ukraine. 
Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 is a gross violation of international law.
NATO is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
The courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and your armed forces are an inspiration.
To the world, and to me personally.

The Crimea Platform is an example of Ukraine’s tireless work to find a just and lasting peace. 
There cannot be true peace in Europe without peace in Ukraine.

This is the last time I will address the Crimea Platform as NATO Secretary General.
But the Alliance’s commitment to Ukraine is stronger than ever.
With NATO’s continued help, Ukraine will prevail as a sovereign, independent and democratic nation.

Thank you.