In a significant statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that Ukraine belongs in the NATO military alliance. Sunak expressed his agreement with NATO

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's earlier remarks, emphasizing that Ukraine is on the path towards NATO membership.

During an interview with CNBC's Silvia Amaro, Sunak underscored the collective determination of allied nations to safeguard Ukraine's long-term security. The prime minister emphasized the need to send a robust signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, affirming that the international community is committed to supporting Ukraine for years to come.

Sunak made these remarks during his visit to Moldova, where leaders from EU and non-EU countries were gathered for the second annual meeting of the European Political Community. The prime minister's statement aligns with the growing consensus among NATO members regarding Ukraine's future membership in the alliance.

Earlier in the day, Secretary-General Stoltenberg expressed that NATO's doors are open for new members. While all allies concur on Ukraine's eventual membership, Stoltenberg did not provide a specific timeline for the enlargement. He emphasized that the decision for Ukraine's membership lies with the NATO allies and Ukraine itself.

There have been varying viewpoints among NATO members regarding the conditions for Ukraine's accession. Eastern European countries have advocated for a swift inclusion, while some Western states have approached the matter cautiously due to concerns over Russian aggression. Stoltenberg stressed that Russia should not hold veto power over NATO's expansion.

The informal meeting in Oslo, Norway, precedes the full NATO summit scheduled for July 11-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Apart from Ukraine's membership, the summit will address Sweden's final accession to the alliance, resolving the long-standing resistance from Turkey.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is actively preparing for a highly anticipated counter-offensive against Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited the UK as part of his tour of Western allies to discuss further military support. In response, the UK agreed to send air defense missiles, armed drones, and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. These efforts signify the commitment of international partners to support Ukraine's sovereignty and security in the face of the ongoing crisis. Photo by DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison, Wikimedia commons.