 Poland, Hungary, Slovakia can be the next victims of Russian aggression. At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Ukraine expects to receive a guarantee of an invitation to join NATO after the country's victory in the war as the three key prerequisites for being a member of the alliance have been successfully implemented. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Defence Minister Olexiy Reznikov in an interview with the Guardian. In his words, the Ukrainian side does not demand the impossible. This is why our expectations from the Vilnius NATO summit are very realistic. To receive a guarantee of an invitation to join NATO after Ukraine's victory in the war, we are ready to sign the Assession Protocol immediately to start the ratification and final Assession Procedure, Reznikov noted. The minister mentioned that the three key prerequisites for being a member of the alliance were interoperability with NATO forces, a transparent procurement system and civilian control of the military. By now, Ukraine has successfully implemented all three of these prerequisites. Reznikov stressed, according to him, it is in NATO's interest to fortify its eastern flank given that Russia would remain a threat for the foreseeable future. In view of Russia's aggressive stance, which is not going to change anytime soon, it is in the interest of NATO to enhance and fortify its eastern flank. Today, Ukraine is already serving as a protective shield for NATO's eastern European members. If this shield cracks, the next victims of Russian aggression could be the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary or Slovakia. Reznikov emphasised.