Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday that his nation has formally applied to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance that was launched following World War II as a counter against Soviet aggression in Europe. The announcement occurs as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its seventh month.
“Ukraine was and remains a leader in negotiation efforts. It was our state that always offered Russia to reach an agreement on coexistence on equal, honest, decent and fair terms,” Zelensky said in a video message. “It is obvious that this is impossible with this Russian president. He does not know what dignity and honesty are. Therefore, we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but already with another president of Russia.”
On Thursday evening, the U.S. Senate approved more than $12 billion in additional aid for Ukraine. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives will have until Friday night, when the current fiscal year ends, to advance the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk.
This is a developing story; check back soon for updates.
