 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined NATO leaders at the first sitting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council on July 12 on the second day of the NATO summit in Vilnius. A new format was designed to tighten cooperation between Kiev and the 31 Nation Alliance. The United States, Britain and global allies prepare to unveil new security assurances for Ukraine designed to protect the country from future attacks while Kiev strives towards membership of the Alliance. The prospect of long-term protection from members of the world's most powerful military bloc comes a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky decried his absurd NATO's refusal to offer an invite or timetable for Ukraine's entry into the Alliance. Ukraine has been pushing for rapid NATO membership while fighting a Russian invasion unleashed in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Good afternoon. Welcome to this first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. This is truly a historic moment. Allies and Ukraine sitting side by side as equals to address our common vision of Euro-Atlantic security. And I'm really honoured to welcome in our midst our dear friend Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine. Welcome to you, Volodymyr Zelensky, to have you here.