NATO officials reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s eventual membership in the alliance during a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels, while stopping short of providing a concrete timeline or immediate invitation.
This stance comes in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s push for accelerated NATO membership as part of his proposed victory plan revealed to the public on 16 October.
Other points of Zelenskyy’s victory plan include:
- Strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities.
- Restoring full territorial integrity, including Crimea.
- Implementing anti-corruption measures to enhance governance.
- Building stronger international alliances.
“I cannot today now exactly sketch out what the path will be, but I am absolutely confident that in the future, Ukraine will join us,” said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Rutte emphasized NATO’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine, sending a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He asserted that the alliance “is in this, if necessary, for the long haul.”
“Obviously we want to be in a place where Zelenskyy and Ukraine, from a position of strength, is able to start talks with Russia,” Rutte said, aligning with Ukraine’s stance on seeking a just peace through strength rather than territorial concessions.
This statement underscores NATO’s goal of empowering Ukraine in potential future negotiations.
US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith stated that the alliance’s position remains unchanged from the summer summit declaration that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path to membership.”
However, Smith emphasized that NATO is “not at the stage where the Alliance is talking about issuing an invitation in the short term.”
Rutte assured that Ukraine can rely on NATO’s continued backing during this period of uncertainty. However, the specific steps and timeline for Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO remain undefined.
On the contentious issue of permitting long-range strikes with Western weapons on Russian territory, Smith reported no change in US policy.
“We provide all necessary assistance to Ukraine to defend its territory,” she stated.
According to Smith, Ukraine has requested further air defense systems, artillery, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
Earlier, Mark Rutte expressed reservations about fully supporting Zelenskyy’s “whole victory plan” to reclaim all occupied territories. He emphasized the need for realistic approaches in the ongoing war with Russia.
Ukraine’s ambassador stressed the need to issue a formal NATO membership invitation to Ukraine to create a meaningful legacy for the US president Joe Biden before he leaves office in January.
Related:
- Ukraine urges NATO invitation before Biden leaves office, ambassador says
- Zelenskyy unveils 5-point ”Victory Plan” to Ukrainian Parliament
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- ISW: Putin’s nuclear threats aim to influence Western support for Ukraine
- NATO defense ministers to begin talks on new Russia strategy
- EU defense chief warns of potential Russian confrontation within decade
