Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas signaled that a surprise regarding Ukraine’s path to joining NATO is anticipated, with an unveiling expected to occur at the July NATO summit. The remark was made during a joint press conference with Jens Stoltenberg, the Alliance’s secretary general, who did not challenge the Estonian leader’s prediction.
According to official remarks, the security guarantee NATO provides remains central to Ukrainian defense planning, even as officials choose not to reveal ahead of time what the surprise might entail. The emphasis is on a robust, end-to-end security framework backed by the alliance, while quietly preparing the ground for any formal steps toward closer cooperation with Kyiv.
The secretary general noted that decisions about further assistance to Ukraine and about strengthening ties with the alliance are on the agenda for the Vilnius summit. He stressed that ongoing consultations are taking place and urged patience regarding potential consequences. There is broad expectation among NATO member states that a unified position on Ukraine’s future within the alliance will be reached at the summit.
Stoltenberg outlined that leaders in Vilnius are likely to approve a multi-year package of practical support for Ukraine. In addition, there is discussion about reinforcing political links, including a possible NATO-Ukraine Council agreement. Stoltenberg mentioned that these moves are part of a broader strategy to integrate Ukraine more closely with the alliance’s political and security architecture, while avoiding premature commitments. The emphasis remains on a careful, coordinated approach to Kyiv’s membership prospects.
Earlier, Stoltenberg indicated that Kyiv’s victory in its conflict with Russia would be a prerequisite for any substantive dialogue about NATO membership, framing the issue as contingent on a broader strategic outcome on the battlefield and in the alliance’s political calculations. Reuters and other outlets report that Western officials view Kyiv’s battlefield progress as a key factor shaping alliance decisions and timelines.