Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the government to back Ukraine’s bid to join NATO as quickly as possible. The appeal, reported by TASS, signaling London’s push for a faster path into the alliance as Kyiv seeks stronger security guarantees amid ongoing tensions in Europe.
In talks with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Johnson argued that the coming NATO summit in Vilnius should serve as a clear gauge of the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine. He said the gathering must show concrete moves toward Ukraine’s integration into the security framework that has underpinned European stability for decades.
Cleverly responded that NATO already holds a defined position on Ukraine and that a formal invitation to join is prepared. He stressed the importance of keeping this issue on the agenda and not allowing it to fade from public discourse, while calling for careful yet decisive action in line with alliance consensus.
Ukraine’s former Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, noted that the decision rests with the four NATO members that shape the accession process. He pointed to the influence of one large and pivotal member state, whose stance could shape the timeline and path to membership within the alliance.
In a broader regional frame, Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a special operation framed as protecting Moscow’s interests in the Donbass. Russia justified the move as a response to requests for help from certain breakaway entities, a narrative that drew swift international condemnation and triggered renewed sanctions from the United States and allied countries.
These developments have spurred conversations in capitals about security guarantees, alliance commitments, and NATO’s future posture in Eastern Europe. Analysts expect the Vilnius summit to reveal how the alliance plans to address Ukraine’s urgent requests while balancing member concerns and the wider strategic balance in the region. The situation remains fluid, with parallel diplomatic efforts underway and a broad spectrum of opinions among member states on the best path forward, including phased steps, deterrence measures, and ongoing security assistance.