The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, explained that an invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance would come only with unanimous backing from all member states and after Ukraine meets a clearly defined set of criteria. He spoke to journalists to clarify the process, stressing that it depends on consensus among allies and on Ukraine achieving the agreed benchmarks. The message reflects a deliberate, stepwise approach that prioritizes collective agreement and rigorous standards over speed. [Citation: NATO Leadership Report]
Stoltenberg noted that Ukraine has moved closer to NATO than at any previous moment, a result of earlier strategic decisions made by the alliance and its members. The path forward hinges on ongoing progress and the sustained alignment of Ukrainian reforms with NATO standards, ensuring that any invitation aligns with established benchmarks and mutual confidence among all parties. [Citation: NATO Briefing]
According to the secretary general, Kyiv must complete a defined set of reforms and security measures, while the alliance must maintain a shared understanding among its members about Ukraine’s potential membership. The process rests on transparency, reform implementation, and the readiness of all allies to align on future steps—an approach designed to preserve unity and implement a durable framework for integration. [Citation: Alliance Decisions Archive]
He added that an invitation would be issued only if every NATO member agrees and all prerequisites are met, with careful monitoring of commitments on Ukraine’s side. This approach ensures that any move toward membership rests on solid, verifiable progress and broad consensus, rather than unilateral action. [Citation: Policy Record]
During the afternoon session on February 15, Stoltenberg led a meeting of NATO defense ministers attended by the alliance’s member states. The discussions covered contemporary security topics and the alignment of defense priorities across members. It was noted that recent agreements, including contracts totaling about ten billion dollars for new military equipment to support Ukraine, reflect the alliance’s ongoing commitment to strengthening deterrence and defense capabilities in the region. [Citation: Ministerial Proceedings]
Beyond political processes, Stoltenberg emphasized the enduring importance of NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture in Europe. He asserted that a strong deterrence framework remains a central pillar of European security, a stance supported by the alliance’s longstanding doctrine and collective defense commitments. [Citation: Nuclear Deterrence Brief]
In earlier remarks, Stoltenberg framed NATO’s overarching goal as preserving unity and preventing fragility within the alliance. His comments underscored continuity in strategy: bolster collaboration, uphold shared values, and ensure that security decisions are taken with a clear, unified purpose that benefits all member states and their partners. [Citation: Alliance Strategy Review]