Ukraine's president has met with the heads of NATO countries in Lithuania.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked them for their additional support in its ongoing war with Russia.

But he noted something was missing -- an official invitation to join the military alliance.

People holding the national flags of Ukraine and Lithuania greeted Zelenskyy.

Ahead of the summit, he vented his frustration on Twitter.
He called the delay in welcoming Ukraine into the alliance "unprecedented and absurd."

Zelenskyy claimed the delay was motivating Russia to "continue its terror."

Upon his arrival, he held a series of meetings with NATO leaders. He directly appealed for their support.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "The decisions made here in Vilnius mark the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between NATO and Ukraine. Today we meet as equals. I look forward to the day we meet as allies."

Stoltenberg said NATO leaders have agreed to give Ukraine simplified requirements for membership.
But he did not offer any specific timeline.

Zelenskyy said: "We got a very positive result on defense assistance. We can state that the result of the summit was good, but if there had been an invitation, it would have been ideal."

Leaders of the Group of Seven are expected to declare new security assurances for Ukraine.

These are designed to protect the country while Kyiv applies for NATO membership.

The draft declaration says each of the G7 nations will work with Ukraine on long-term security commitments and arrangements.

The draft includes providing Ukraine with modern military equipment prioritizing air defense as well as artillery and long-range fires, armored vehicles and other key capabilities, such as combat aircraft.

G7 nations also plan to offer support to further develop Ukraine's defense industrial base, train the country's forces and share intelligence.