WASHINGTON: NATO countries agreed on Wednesday to say Ukraine was on an “irreversible path” to membership in a final declaration from their summit in Washington, a move that has intensified geopolitical tensions with Russia, AFP reported.
Multiple diplomatic sources confirmed the final declaration, subject to formal approval, asserts support for Ukraine on its “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.” This statement comes amidst ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, which has prompted NATO to bolster its support for Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a vocal advocate for NATO membership, viewing it as crucial for enhancing his country’s security against Russian incursions. The summit’s declaration reaffirms that Ukraine will receive a formal invitation to join NATO “when allies agree and conditions are met,” echoing previous commitments.
The summit, held in Washington, saw NATO leaders discussing strategic responses to Russia’s continued occupation of Ukrainian territory since 2022. The United States and Germany have expressed reservations about immediate NATO membership for Ukraine, fearing it could escalate the conflict into a broader war involving nuclear-armed Russia.
President Joe Biden, hosting the summit amidst domestic political scrutiny, emphasized NATO’s commitment to collective defence and denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression. “Ukraine can — and will — stop Putin,” Biden declared, underscoring NATO’s solidarity with Ukraine in the face of ongoing hostilities.
Meanwhile, Denmark and the Netherlands have started the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, a decision hailed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as a means to deter further Russian aggression. “The quickest way to peace is through a strong Ukraine,” Blinken said.
However, former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of NATO, has questioned the alliance’s efficacy and suggested alternative approaches to resolving the conflict, drawing contrasting views within the United States’ political landscape.
Ahead of the summit, Russia launched a missile strike on Ukraine, causing civilian casualties including at a children’s hospital in Kyiv, underscoring the urgency of NATO’s response. President Zelensky, invited to the summit, expressed gratitude for the F-16 jets, emphasizing their role in countering “brutal Russian attacks” and advancing the cause of peace.
The NATO summit also aimed to fortify the alliance against future challenges, including potential threats from China, with Biden inviting key Pacific partners to expand NATO’s global strategic role.
