During a visit to Reykjavik, the Lithuanian president outlined a clearer path for deeper cooperation between NATO and Ukraine, signaling a possible step toward Ukraine’s eventual membership in the alliance. He stressed that Ukraine is a core element of Euro-Atlantic security and urged that NATO-Ukraine ties be broadened beyond military aid to include political dialogue that openly addresses Ukraine’s future prospects within the alliance. This framing positions Kyiv as a key partner in regional security, with discussions aimed at translating support into concrete political milestones that align with Ukraine’s security goals and resilience against aggression.
Nauseda also welcomed Western arms support, including the delivery of Storm Shadow long-range missiles to Ukraine. He argued that Western partners should avoid drawing red lines in the struggle against Russia and described such weapons transfers as a decisive move toward ending Russia’s aggression and helping Ukraine achieve victory. His comments reflect a broader view that modern security assistance, when integrated with political assurances, can reinforce Ukraine’s deterrence and help shape a credible timeline for greater alliance involvement.
Looking ahead to Washington 2024, Kyiv expressed cautious optimism about invitations to join NATO with defined timelines, contrasting expectations with the 2023 Vilnius summit. The president underscored that formalized invitations would depend on Ukraine meeting alliance standards and the collective assessment of member states. The dialogue emphasizes the desire for clear milestones, transparency about membership criteria, and steady progress that aligns with Kyiv’s reform agenda and the alliance’s strategic priorities in Europe and the transatlantic sphere. The overall message is one of steady, results-oriented engagement that connects security guarantees with political integration prospects, while maintaining a pragmatic view of the steps required to reach a formal invitation at the appropriate forum (Source: regional security briefings).