As NATO marks its 75th anniversary, US says Ukraine will eventually join

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg reminded the United States that it needs allies more than ever as foreign ministers marked the 75th anniversary of the alliance on Thursday in Brussels. NATO has expanded since Russia invaded Ukraine, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying that Ukraine will join.

"Europe needs North America for its security," Stoltenberg said Thursday at a ceremony at NATO's headquarters on the second day of a two-day summit of foreign ministers aimed at shoring up support for Ukraine.

"At the same time, North America also needs Europe. European allies provide world-class militaries, vast intelligence networks and unique diplomatic leverage, multiplying America's might."

The ceremony, which included cake and marching bands, marked the 75th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April, 1949, which established the political and military alliance.

What began as a 12-member alliance from North America and Europe now counts 32 members, including two – Finland and Sweden – that joined in direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"Democratic nations, free people chose to join, unlike how Russia expands by annexation or illegal aggression," Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said on Thursday.

• After 75 years of mutual defence, NATO eyes an uncertain future

Ukraine a candidate

(with Reuters)

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