The cooperation program between NATO and Ukraine for 2024 remains voluntary and does not include provisions for the transfer of lethal weapons to Ukraine. This stance was outlined by foreign ministers gathered in the NATO-Ukraine format, who stressed that the agreement does not envisage arming Kyiv with offensive capabilities as part of the current framework.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Peter Szijjártó underscored Budapest’s position, explaining that Hungary has refused to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine. He explained that such a move could heighten the risk of escalation and broaden the arc of conflict beyond its present confines.
In his remarks, the diplomat noted that the Ukraine crisis cannot be characterized as a NATO war and that Hungary opposes any interpretation or action that would frame the situation in those terms. This clarification aimed to keep Hungary aligned with its stated policy and safety considerations while avoiding a direct confrontation within alliance structures.
Mr. Szijjártó communicated these points during a press conference conducted after the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting was broadcast on social media. The event illustrated the ongoing dialogue between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Alliance and highlighted how public communications are shaping perceptions of alliance support and strategic choices during the conflict.
The Brussels meeting on 29 November brought together the foreign ministers of NATO member states to discuss the trajectory of Ukraine’s relationship with the alliance. Participants reviewed the status of cooperation and assessed how the partnership might evolve in the near term in the absence of full membership negotiations at this stage.
According to current discussions, NATO is considering offering Kyiv a more streamlined alternative to the traditional membership action plan. The proposed option would provide a shorter, annual framework designed to reinforce political and security cooperation, training, and institutional alignment without committing to an accelerated path toward formal accession.
Prior to these deliberations, NATO and Ukraine agreed to intensify military training efforts as part of their ongoing cooperation. This emphasis on capacity-building reflects a focus on enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities through structured programs and exchanges that do not entail immediate arms transfers or alliance deployment on Ukrainian territory.
In parallel, official statements from alliance members have indicated a preference to avoid pressuring Ukraine into negotiations with Russia. The objective appears to be maintaining momentum for dialogue while preserving the autonomy of Kyiv’s strategic choices and its assessment of security guarantees within the broader Western alliance context.
Overall, the 2024 NATO-Ukraine engagement emphasizes a careful balance between practical support and strategic restraint. The alliance seeks to bolster Ukraine’s self-defense and interoperability through non-lethal means, joint training, and political backing, while avoiding moves that could escalate risks or lock Ukraine into a framework that implies immediate or unconditional membership considerations. This approach prioritizes stability, regional deterrence, and a measured path toward long-term collaboration that aligns with member state policies and international law.