Expectations for NATO Summit and Ukraine’s Membership Bid

Title: Ukraine Seeks Clear Signal from NATO at Summit for Future Membership

Date: July 6, 2023

Ukraine is pushing for a clear signal from NATO at the upcoming summit in Lithuania, indicating that the country will be able to join the Alliance in the future. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has called on US President Joe Biden to extend an invitation to Ukraine, even if the country ultimately joins after the ongoing conflict with Russia.

In an interview with The Times, Budanov, a Ukrainian official, expressed skepticism about the summit, stating that he believes it will consist of pre-written speeches and little else. According to Budanov, he receives information from British and American intelligence services that does not reach all NATO members.

While understanding that Ukraine will not become a member of the alliance before the end of the conflict with Russia, Zelenskyj emphasized the importance of a clear signal from NATO. He believes that such an invitation would serve as a significant motivation for Ukrainian troops.

However, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, member states will not discuss a formal invitation for Ukraine at the summit. This aligns with the understanding that Ukraine’s membership will not be considered until after the conflict with Russia concludes.

In May, The Wall Street Journal reported that Western countries are planning to offer Ukraine a security model similar to that provided to Israel. This model would facilitate the transfer of weapons and advanced technologies to Kyiv as a pathway to NATO membership.

The summit, set to take place in Lithuania, will be closely watched as Ukraine seeks reassurance and support from NATO in its ongoing struggle with Russia. The outcome of the summit will have significant implications for Ukraine’s future and its relationship with the Alliance.

What does Ukraine hope to achieve by receiving a clear signal on future NATO membership at the summit?

Ukraine Urges NATO for Clear Signal on Future Membership at Summit

Date: July 6, 2023

As Ukraine prepares for the upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania, it is eager to receive a definitive signal that the country will be able to join the Alliance in the future. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is urging US President Joe Biden to extend an invitation to Ukraine, even if the country’s acceptance is postponed until after the ongoing conflict with Russia.

In an interview with The Times, Ukrainian official Budanov expressed doubts about the summit, believing it will mostly consist of pre-written speeches without concrete action. According to Budanov, he receives information from British and American intelligence services that doesn’t reach all NATO members.

Zelenskyj acknowledges that Ukraine won’t become a NATO member until the conflict with Russia is resolved, but he emphasizes the importance of a clear signal from the Alliance. He believes that such an invitation would strongly motivate Ukrainian troops.

However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that member states will not discuss a formal invitation for Ukraine at the summit, aligning with the understanding that Ukraine’s membership will only be considered once the conflict with Russia concludes.

Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that Western countries are considering offering Ukraine a security model similar to that of Israel, allowing for the transfer of weapons and advanced technologies to Kyiv as a step towards NATO membership.

The upcoming summit, held in Lithuania, will be closely monitored as Ukraine seeks reassurance and support from NATO in its ongoing struggle with Russia. The outcome of the summit will have significant implications for Ukraine’s future and its relationship with the Alliance.