NATO Secretary speaks on Ukraine, Russian build-up at summit

Ukraine and Georgia are not invited to the NATO Summit
of Leaders in June, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on May
31. According to eurointegration.com.ua, Stoltenberg explained that the meeting
was members-only because it is a one-day summit. If the event were longer,
partners would have been invited.

Stoltenberg also stated that the Russian decision to
create up to 20 new military units in the west is part of a pattern of Russian
investment into its military. Moreover, Russia uses that force, he notes, and
this is why NATO is increasing the readiness of its own troops for defensive
purposes.

James Hydzik: Excluding Ukraine and Georgia will bruise some egos in Kyiv. After
all, the presence of a Ukrainian team at the  summit did not have to
signal a long discussion. Rather, the political machinations around Naftogaz
have hurt the country at a time when there was ample sympathy for its cause.
The steps the Ukrainian government has taken to smooth things over have been
necessary yet insufficient. It is unlikely that an opportunity to recapture
that sentiment will reappear soon.