NATO leaders agreed at a summit in Vilnius on Tuesday that "Ukraine's future lies within the alliance," but did not extend a formal invitation to Kyiv nor announce a timeline for its desired membership. At the same time, the alliance removed a requirement for Ukraine to fulfill what is known as the Membership Action Plan, effectively eliminating a barrier to Kyiv's accession.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated, "NATO allies have agreed to simplify the process of Ukraine's entry into the North Atlantic Alliance." He further emphasized, "We reiterated that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and agreed to cancel the requirements for an action plan for membership."
In a statement that was approved by the leaders, it was noted: "Ukraine's future is in NATO, and Kyiv's Euro-Atlantic integration goes beyond the need for a membership action plan." It continued, "We will be in a position to invite Ukraine to join the alliance when members agree and the conditions are met."
Earlier, four diplomats indicated that "the leaders of NATO member states reached an agreement on how to define their future relationship with Ukraine, including its request for membership in the alliance."
Stoltenberg also remarked, "Allies took key decisions at a critical moment for our security. We agreed on a package to strengthen Ukraine and provide a clear path towards NATO. We also approved our most comprehensive defense plans since the Cold War, backed by an enduring commitment to invest more in defense."
During the NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "Ukraine will make the alliance stronger," adding that the military alliance would make his country safer, and it deserves to be allowed to join. He reiterated, "NATO will make Ukraine safer, and Ukraine will make the alliance stronger."
NATO expressed serious concern about "Iran's malicious activities within the territories of member states." It urged Iran to cease its military support for Russia, particularly the transfer of drones used to attack critical infrastructure, resulting in widespread civilian casualties.
