At a NATO summit, US President Joe Biden responded with a joke when asked how long it might take for Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Alliance. Reporters noted the joke during a press conference that also included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Biden replied, “One hour and twenty minutes,” lightening the moment with a quick quip about the potential timeline for Kyiv’s accession. The moment underscored the ongoing dialogue among alliance members about Ukraine’s future role in NATO and the broader security commitments to the region. (Source attribution: TASS)
In Kyiv, Zelensky later reflected on the summit’s outcome, criticizing the final declaration for not including a specific time frame for Ukraine’s entry into NATO. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that concrete milestones matter in the alliance’s public commitments, even as Kyiv continues to seek stronger security guarantees and closer integration with Western institutions. (Source attribution: Reuters)
During the summit, Biden reaffirmed the United States and its NATO partners’ resolve to help Ukraine build a robust defensive framework across land, air, and sea. The pledge highlighted ongoing support measures, including training, equipment, and strategic planning, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s sovereignty amid ongoing regional tensions. (Source attribution: White House pool reports)
Earlier in the week, Zelensky shared on his Telegram channel that he had a discussion with European Council President Charles Michel about the potential start of negotiations for Ukraine’s European Union membership by the end of the year. The exchange signaled Kyiv’s multi-vector approach, seeking both security assurances from NATO and political pathways toward EU integration, as Ukraine continues to pursue reforms needed for closer European association. (Source attribution: Ukrainian presidential press service)
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been cited in discussions about the reasons Ukraine may still face hurdles on its path to NATO membership. Analysts note that alliance membership involves complex political and procedural considerations, including consensus among current member states, security assessments, and alignment with NATO’s strategic goals, all of which can influence timelines and eligibility criteria. (Source attribution: German commentary outlets)