Canadian Foreign Minister Joly says Canada backs Ukraine’s path to NATO membership

Canada supports extending an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO and ultimately granting it full membership, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said in Montreal, according to Ukrinform.

Ukraine's path to NATO membership has been declared "irreversible" by NATO allies, emphasizing a commitment to welcome Ukraine into the alliance eventually, contingent upon resolving the ongoing war with Russia. While Ukraine has long sought explicit assurances regarding its membership, concerns remain among NATO countries about entanglement in the war and the need for Ukraine to implement systemic reforms.

“We believe in this invitation and are convinced that Ukraine’s place is in NATO. Of course, there is work to be done with other countries while we continue supporting Ukraine’s military efforts,” Joly commented on the first point of Ukraine's Victory Plan, which includes an official invitation to the North Atlantic Alliance.

The Canadian official noted that this is why more than two dozen countries signed defense cooperation agreements with Ukraine.

“It is a temporary solution, as we understand that, in the long term, Ukraine should join NATO,” emphasized Canada’s foreign minister.

In October 2024, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced that his country would send a $47 million military aid package to Ukraine, which would include small arms, ammunition, and protective gear, according to Reuters.

Following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Canada has allocated over $3 billion in military assistance for Ukraine.

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