German Foreign Minister Affirms Support for Ukraine’s Future NATO Membership

Germany remains committed to Ukraine’s eventual membership in NATO, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Baerbock addressed this position at a recent press conference, underscoring that Ukraine’s future lies within both the European Union and NATO.

Her comments come amid remarks from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has stated that an invitation to NATO would not be feasible until the ongoing war concludes.

During the press conference, Baerbock clarified Germany’s stance in response to speculation regarding a potential “Finlandization” model for Ukraine, which suggests a neutral status. This approach, reportedly under consideration by Scholz’s circle, could potentially diverge from a NATO pathway for Ukraine.

However, Baerbock emphasized that NATO membership remains a clear future goal for Ukraine, a position previously stated in NATO’s Washington Declaration earlier this year.

“Germany’s position is clear—Ukraine’s future is in both the EU and NATO. This has been affirmed in the Washington Declaration. Russian leader Vladimir Putin seeks to block Ukraine’s freedom to make this choice,” Baerbock stated, referring to the explicit positions held by Finland and Sweden, which recently joined NATO as a result of their independent national decisions.