Zelensky Accepts Decision To Slow Walk Ukraine's NATO Membership

Wires carrying comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, significantly moderating his bellicose tone of yesterday and appearing to accept NATO's refusal to fast-track Ukraine's membership in the alliance.

• Zelensky said that, although it would have been "ideal" if there had been an invitation to join NATO, "it is understandable that Ukraine cannot join NATO when at war."
• Zelenskiy said: "Recognition that Ukraine doesn't need NATO Membership Action Plan is important," in reference to the burdensome raft of political reforms required for NATO accessional - widely seen as leaving fellow NATO applicant Georgia in limbo since 2008.
• Zelensky commended the defence aid packages announced at the summit, which have included substantial packages from France and Germany, and a statement yesterday from the Netherlands and Denmark to begin F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots in Romania in August.
• The NATO-Ukraine Council with heads of state is now underway with Zelensky scheduled to meet bilaterally with President Biden upon its conclusion, likely around 08:45 ET 13:45 BST.