At the NATO summit in Vilnius, the 31 member nations have decided not to offer a clear timeline for Ukraine’s membership in the alliance, stating that an invitation will only be extended when certain conditions are met. Despite the disappointment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against the Russian invasion, claiming that NATO had never expressed stronger solidarity.
While the summit reiterated that “Ukraine’s future is in NATO” and expedited the membership process for Kyiv, the lack of a concrete timeframe for the invitation has left Zelensky disheartened. Taking to Twitter, he expressed his frustration at the absence of a definitive invitation and warned that this could provide Russia with leverage in negotiations, perpetuating the ongoing conflict. Zelensky labeled the situation “absurd” and stressed that Ukraine’s NATO membership would enhance the alliance’s strength and security.
Simultaneously, as Zelensky addressed the summit, Moscow intensified its pressure by claiming military advancements along the eastern front. Russia stated that its forces had progressed over a mile in a two-kilometer-wide section, bringing them closer to the town of Lyman in Ukraine’s Donbas region. However, Zelensky’s disappointment regarding the membership timeline prompted Western officials to emphasize their commitment to providing comprehensive support to Ukraine, including military assistance to bolster its defense capabilities.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the G7 group of major economies will issue a declaration outlining long-term support once peace is achieved. This declaration is expected to be released after the conclusion of the NATO summit. Germany also pledged an additional 700 million euros ($771 million) in military aid to Ukraine, which includes Patriot missile system launchers, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks.
Furthermore, France pledged to join the United Kingdom in supplying long-range SCALP or Storm Shadow cruise missiles to enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian-held territories. Denmark and the Netherlands announced the establishment of an 11-nation coalition to train Ukrainian pilots in flying F-16 fighter jets, with a new training center to be set up in Romania.
While some Eastern European nations pushed for a specific timetable for Ukraine’s membership, the United States and Germany remain cautious, emphasizing that membership will be granted when the conflict with Russia is resolved. President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky, has been clear that NATO cannot risk direct involvement in the ongoing war.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has prompted NATO to undertake a comprehensive defense overhaul, with alliance leaders signing off on regional defense plans and endorsing increased defense spending targets. The summit reaffirmed the commitment to spending at least two percent of national output on defense, acknowledging that in many cases, spending beyond this minimum level will be necessary to address existing gaps and meet the alliance’s requirements.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, NATO remains dedicated to supporting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The alliance’s decision to postpone the invitation for membership reflects the need to address key conditions before extending full membership to Ukraine.
Sources By Agencies
