Zelensky’s surprise twist: Could this be Ukraine’s ticket into NATO?

During a press conference with NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a softer stance towards NATO’s ongoing reluctance to provide a specific timeline for Ukraine’s membership.

This shift followed Zelensky’s earlier criticism of NATO leaders on this issue.

Zelensky appreciated the security commitments made by US President Joe Biden and other alliance members. The Ukraine President had been keen on receiving an invitation to join NATO, stating that such a move would have idealized the results of the summit. Despite the lack of a specific timeline, Zelensky remains hopeful of Ukraine’s NATO membership once Russia’s war ends.

Zelensky softens stance on NATO membership amid G7 support. Photo courtesy of The Presidential Office of Ukraine.

Zelensky understood some people’s apprehensions about Ukraine joining NATO, considering the ongoing war within its borders. However, he emphasized that “signals are important”. His belief that Ukraine will eventually be a NATO member was compared to the country’s candidacy to join the EU, viewing it as a strong signal to Russia about Ukraine’s determination to become an independent state.

The G7’s support to Ukraine was also addressed by Zelensky, noting it should not replace NATO but act as security guarantees along the path of integration. The G7 — comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States — had pledged to send weapons and support to help Ukraine counter the ongoing Russian invasion and deter future attacks.

However, concerns about Ukraine joining NATO persist, primarily due to a clause in its charter that could draw all members closer to the war with Russia. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan echoed these concerns in a CNN interview, pointing out the inescapability of the treaty’s mutual defense clause. Sullivan, however, reassured that the G7 would continue to provide security assistance to Ukraine for the foreseeable future as it moves towards NATO membership.