NATO leaders have collectively affirmed that Ukraine's future lies within the NATO alliance and that its path towards membership is irreversible. This declaration was made during the Washington Summit, where long-term support for Kyiv was pledged by the leaders. While a specific timeline for Ukraine's accession to NATO was not provided, the leaders stated that an invitation would be extended when the allies reach a consensus and the necessary conditions are met.
The Washington Summit Declaration, released after a meeting of NATO's North Atlantic Council, commended Ukraine for the progress it has made since the Vilnius Summit in implementing democratic, economic, and security reforms. The term 'irreversible' was used to describe Ukraine's path towards NATO membership, following extensive diplomatic negotiations leading up to the summit.
Before the declaration was issued, there were differing opinions among the allies regarding the level of support that should accompany the assertion of Ukraine's irreversible path. Some diplomats argued that mere words were insufficient and that tangible support was essential to back up the commitment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently in Washington for the summit and has been actively participating in the meetings. The discussions and affirmations made at the summit underscore the ongoing strategic importance of Ukraine in the context of European security and stability.
