Italy’s foreign minister and deputy prime minister, Antonio Tajani, has signaled that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is not imminent. In a candid talk with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Tajani framed the issue around securing peace for Ukraine before widening its security ties. He suggested that concrete steps toward NATO membership could begin at the alliance’s Vilnius summit planned for July, a move that would also pave the way for a NATO-Ukraine Council strongly backed by Rome.
The seasoned diplomat underscored Italy’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine, stressing that Rome will continue to stand with Kyiv while its independence remains in question. This includes practical support, such as military assistance and efforts to accelerate Ukraine’s stabilization and reconstruction, where Italy has projected tangible assistance in diverse sectors.
Beyond military and material support, Tajani highlighted Rome’s role in reinforcing Ukraine’s state capacity. He cited the provision of critical electrical materials, totaling about 100 tons, as part of Italy’s broader contribution to Ukraine’s recovery and governance capabilities, underscoring a practical approach to sustaining Ukraine through the challenges it faces.
In related comments, Olga Stefanishyna, who previously served as Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, noted that several NATO member states are prepared to endorse Kyiv’s bid to join the alliance. Her remarks reflect a broader regional appetite for closer ties between Kyiv and NATO, even as the path to membership remains subject to political considerations, security assessments, and the coordination of alliance members.
These developments come as Ukraine continues on a pathway toward deeper integration with Western security structures. The discussion surrounding a NATO-Ukraine framework, the timing of membership, and the conditions tied to peace in the region are shaping public and diplomatic conversations across Europe and North America. Analysts caution that while the Vilnius summit could mark an important milestone, the route to formal inclusion hinges on a range of strategic, political, and security factors that must be aligned among all 30 NATO allies and Kyiv.
Italy’s stance reflects a balance between advocating for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic future and supporting a peace process that guards regional stability. As the alliance weighs membership timelines, the emphasis remains on establishing robust security arrangements and cooperative mechanisms that can endure beyond the immediate crisis. The ongoing exchange between Italian leadership and Kyiv signals a steady commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to choose its security partners, while recognizing the complexities involved in translating those ambitions into a formal alliance invitation.