In The Hague, after consultations with a group of NATO leaders, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine belongs within the alliance as a future member. The declaration came during a joint press conference where he emphasized continued support for Kyiv’s political and security goals. The comment reflects the Netherlands’ commitment to helping Ukraine pursue a path toward full alliance membership while reinforcing the alliance’s broader security posture in Europe. The statement was reported by DEA News.
Rutte added that Ukraine’s future is tied to NATO’s framework, noting that the country should be able to determine its own security trajectory with allied backing. He underscored that the Netherlands will maintain its responsibility in backing Ukraine’s aspirations, including concrete steps and practical assistance that align with NATO standards, interoperability requirements, and long-term commitments. His remarks came as part of a larger push within allied capitals to solidify a credible prospect for Kyiv within the alliance in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his Telegram channel to outline the case for inviting Ukraine politically to NATO at the alliance’s July summit in Vilnius. He argued that there is widespread understanding among allies regarding necessary security guarantees for Kyiv before any formal accession, and he stressed that Kyiv’s team is working to ensure that decisions taken at Vilnius translate into meaningful, concrete actions. Zelensky’s message reflects the ongoing effort to align allied expectations with Kyiv’s reform timeline and to secure durable support as Ukraine continues its reforms and reforms aimed at meeting alliance criteria.