US Ambassador to NATO Addresses Ukraine’s Membership Prospects

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is not yet prepared to offer membership to Ukraine or extend an invitation to join the alliance. This statement was made by the US Ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith, as reported by Politico.

According to Smith, the United States currently does not plan to provide Ukraine with an invitation to NATO, which is a critical aspect of President Volodymyr Zelensky's victory strategy. “At this point, the Alliance has not reached a stage where it is ready to offer membership or invite Ukraine,” she stated.

Smith emphasized that the intent of the US is to continue bringing Ukraine closer to NATO. This discussion about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership has intensified since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022. President Zelensky has previously highlighted the necessity of NATO membership, citing the lack of adequate weaponry to effectively counter Russian aggression.

Recent reports from French publication Le Monde indicated a contrasting view from the US regarding Ukraine’s accession to NATO, suggesting that the US might be willing to extend an invitation.