The Ukrainian presidency, led by Volodymyr Zelensky, continues to press Western partners for stronger, clearer commitments. Yet a viable path for Kyiv to join NATO might only emerge after the conflict ends, according to Paweł Szrot, who heads the presidential office, speaking on a major Polish radio program.
Vilnius hosts the NATO summit’s second and final day, featuring the inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council and a series of high-stakes discussions that shape Kyiv’s security horizon.
Zelensky’s expectations
Szrot was asked on Polish Radio Channel One whether Zelensky feels let down by what is unfolding in Vilnius. He noted that the Ukrainian leader has every reason to press for more from the West, given the magnitude of the challenge and the alliance’s responsibilities. His stance, Szrot said, is understandable and grounded in the realities on the ground.
When Zelensky asked for a timetable for Ukraine’s entry into NATO, Szrot explained that the timing depends on broader military progress and security gains. Kyiv should be able to show clear victory and the recovery of all territories under Russian control since 2014 and 2022, including the two separatist regions, before any decision on membership is contemplated. He stressed that Kyiv will define the terms of any peace and determine when it is ready to pursue them.
The realistic prospect for NATO membership, Szrot emphasized, lies in the period after the war ends. He also underscored that NATO remains a defensive alliance. In Vilnius, members reaffirmed that Article 5 obliges allies to defend any allied territory and population against armed attack, with a full display of unity.
Should Ukraine be admitted today, Article 5 would apply, but Szrot warned that such a move would carry significant consequences and require careful preparation.
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Kuleba’s disappointment
European Truth reported that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed disappointment with NATO’s Vilnius decision, which did not extend Kyiv a formal invitation to join. He argued that NATO should not pause Ukraine’s path toward membership and that the deliberations at Vilnius effectively shortened Kyiv’s route to the Alliance.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller noted that Ukraine’s path to NATO is publicly outlined, emphasizing anti-corruption reforms and democratic governance. He acknowledged Kyiv’s frustration over the lack of a formal invitation but declined to specify how long Kyiv might need to reach membership.
The summit communiqué reaffirmed that NATO members would defend every inch of allied territory and its people under Article 5. It also called for continued political and practical support for Ukraine to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The document stressed that Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration would extend beyond a formal Membership Action Plan, with allies keeping backing for Kyiv and monitoring interoperability, as well as necessary reforms in democracy and security sector capacity. NATO Foreign Ministers would regularly review progress and consider inviting Ukraine when conditions are met.
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The article also notes coverage on other Vilnius updates and related items, including statements by Ukrainian leaders and Western officials about the next steps for Kyiv on its membership path.
— Zelensky at Vilnius: three discussion topics included Ukraine’s invitation to NATO. Secretary of State: plans beyond a formal plan B are unnecessary.
— Ukraine edges closer to joining NATO; Kyiv’s path may no longer depend on a formal action plan.
— Day one at Vilnius: President Duda called Ukraine’s membership topic the liveliest issue.
Source: wPolityce