Zelensky furious as NATO hints at Ukraine’s potential alliance membership.

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, which can be found here, 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 has 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” to regularly review progress. This change reflects the alliance’s dedication to assisting Ukraine in implementing further democratic and security reforms necessary for its eventual membership.

Invitation and Timetable

The member nations have stated that they will extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when conditions are met and all Allies agree. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment with the decision, emphasizing the need for a clear timetable for Ukraine’s NATO membership.

President Zelensky also expressed his dissatisfaction with the communique’s phrasing, stating that Ukraine deserves respect and should have been included in the discussions.

President Joe Biden, before attending the summit, emphasized that the war with Russia must come to an end before NATO can admit Ukraine. He acknowledged that there is currently no unanimity within NATO regarding Ukraine’s immediate membership.

“It’s a commitment that we’ve all made, no matter what,” President Biden stated in an interview released on Sunday.