NATO hints at Ukraine’s potential alliance membership, infuriating Zelensky.

NATO Expresses Support for Ukraine’s Membership

In an exciting development, NATO members have issued a statement affirming their support for Ukraine’s membership in the alliance. The Vilnius Summit Communique, available in pdf format, declares that “Ukraine’s future is in NATO.”

The highly anticipated summit, taking place in Vilnius from July 11-12, brings together leaders from all 31 NATO member countries to address critical global security challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Commitment to Reform and Progress

The alliance reaffirmed its commitment, initially made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit, and acknowledged the significant progress Ukraine has made on its reform path.

Notably, NATO has replaced the requirement for Ukraine to implement a “Membership Action Plan” with an “Annual National Program” that will regularly review the country’s progress. This change reflects the alliance’s dedication to assisting Ukraine in implementing necessary democratic and security reforms.

Invitation and Conditions

The member nations concluded that an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO will be extended when the Allies agree and the necessary conditions are met.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment with the decision, emphasizing the need for a clear timetable for Ukraine’s NATO membership. He took to Twitter to voice his concerns, calling the lack of a timeframe “unprecedented and absurd.”

President Zelensky also criticized the communique for being discussed without Ukraine’s involvement, stating that Ukraine “deserves respect.”

Before attending the summit, President Joe Biden emphasized that the war with Russia must come to an end before NATO can admit Ukraine. He explained during a recent interview, “I don’t think there is unanimity in NATO about whether or not to bring Ukraine into the NATO family now, at this moment, in the middle of a war.”

Despite the challenges, the commitment to Ukraine’s NATO membership remains strong, and efforts will continue to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the country.