Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that there are no obstacles at present preventing Kyiv from receiving an invitation to join NATO. He made this assertion during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Kyiv, where they spoke publicly about the alliance’s future and Ukraine’s path toward membership.
Zelensky noted that the upcoming Vilnius NATO summit could be a turning point for Ukraine. He welcomed the chance to participate in the talks but emphasized that a formal invitation to join the alliance should accompany the summit’s proceedings. According to him, there is no barrier to the political decisions that would invite Ukraine into NATO, and the moment calls for clear, decisive steps rather than symbolic gestures.
The Ukrainian leader argued that most NATO members support Kyiv’s entry, underscoring that the timing is right for concrete actions. He called on alliance partners to translate diplomatic support into tangible steps that would advance Ukraine’s accession process during the Vilnius gathering.
Stoltenberg, in Kyiv, affirmed a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s future in the alliance. He conveyed a sense of confidence that Ukraine will eventually become a member, speaking at a press conference and through official channels that highlighted the alliance’s ongoing support for Kyiv. The Secretary General also outlined the scope of aid that NATO countries have provided to Ukraine, noting substantial assistance designed to bolster Kyiv’s defense and resilience amid ongoing security challenges.
Media coverage around that period reflected a spectrum of views about Ukraine’s entry. Some outlets suggested there was broad alignment that membership at that stage was not imminent, while others emphasized the persistent political will within NATO to keep Ukraine on a path toward membership as conditions evolve. The dialogue between Kyiv and NATO underscored the alliance’s readiness to adapt to pace and practicality while maintaining a clear forward-looking stance on Ukraine’s security arrangements.
In the broader context, the discussions centered on how NATO’s collective defense framework could be leveraged to support Ukraine, including measures to enhance interoperability, joint training, and logistical coordination. The emphasis remained on ensuring that Kyiv could meet alliance standards and that member states would align on timelines, milestones, and the structure of future integration. The tone across conversations suggested a shared interest in stability for the region, with Ukraine’s security becoming a priority for many partners within the alliance.
Observers noted that Kyiv’s push for a firm invitation would require careful alignment with both political consensus among member states and practical assessments of readiness. While some voices argued for cautious progression, others pressed for a more explicit commitment that would set clear expectations and avoid ambiguity as the security landscape in the region continues to evolve. The evolving discussion reflected the balance NATO seeks between prudent, stepwise integration and reaffirming long-term commitments to allies seeking protection under the alliance’s umbrella.
Overall, the exchange highlighted a concerted effort to keep Ukraine in the center of NATO’s strategic conversation. The alliance’s leadership signaled openness to Ukraine’s eventual membership while acknowledging that the process depends on political decisions, practical readiness, and the stability of regional forces. The path forward involves a combination of diplomatic checks, readiness benchmarks, and a steady build-up of capabilities that align with NATO’s standards. In Kyiv, the sentiment was clear: the alliance sees Ukraine as a key strategic partner whose integration would contribute to regional security and the broader security architecture of the Euro-Atlantic region. The emphasis remained on measured progress, clear commitments, and a shared resolve to support Ukraine on its chosen course toward membership. [Financial Times, April 6 report, and subsequent official statements referenced for context]”