The United States has reportedly relaxed its opposition to inviting Ukraine to join NATO, a shift that could also sway Germany’s position, according to the French newspaper Le Monde.
The invitation to join NATO is the first point of President Zelensky’s victory plan, which he presented to European leaders in Brussels on 17 October. Other points include strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, implementing a deterrence strategy against Russian aggression, boosting Ukraine’s economic and strategic potential, and utilizing Ukraine’s wartime experience for future European defense. Zelenskyy warned that rejecting his victory plan would benefit Russia by weakening Ukraine’s efforts.
Le Monde, citing unnamed sources, reports that this change in the US stance emerged during recent high-level discussions among Western leaders.
On 18 October, US President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin, Germany. The primary focus of their talks was Ukraine, with particular attention given to coordinating responses to Ukraine’s victory plan.
While the US and Germany have officially maintained their opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, France and the UK have been more supportive. However, sources suggest that the US no longer has fundamental objections to extending an invitation to Ukraine.
An unnamed European diplomat told Le Monde that if Kamala Harris wins the upcoming US presidential election, Biden might work towards inviting Ukraine to NATO during the transition period.
The diplomat added, “If it’s Trump, the consideration is no longer relevant, and the slightest initiative from Biden risks worsening the situation.”
The potential shift in Washington’s stance could influence Berlin’s position. However, the newspaper notes that any decision on Ukraine’s NATO membership would require consensus among all Alliance members, including potential objectors like Hungary or Türkiye.
The leaders also discussed the possibility of using long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, with Paris and London reportedly more open to this option. However, Le Monde reports that no decisions were reached during the meeting, and none are expected until after the US elections.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte withheld full endorsement of the victory plan, stating more discussion is needed to understand its feasibility.
Earlier, US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith stated that Ukraine would not receive an invitation to join the Alliance in the near future. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has expressed hope that Ukraine could become a member within the next decade.
Related:
- French minister Barrot backs Ukraine’s victory plan, calls for other allies’ support
- Norway backs Ukraine’s NATO bid, welcomes Zelenskyy’s victory plan
- Zelenskyy warns EU: Rejecting Ukraine’s victory plan is “privilege from world to Russia”
- “I can’t support Zelenskyy’s whole Victory plan,” says NATO chief Rutte
- Zelenskyy unveils 5-point ”Victory Plan” to Ukrainian Parliament
