According to diplomatic statements on Wednesday, the allies now see Ukraine on an “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb welcomed the agreement on the new text, which had been advocated primarily by the Eastern Europeans in the alliance.
No invitation to join yet
The hoped-for invitation to join Ukraine will not be granted in Washington either. The main reason is the USA and Germany’s fear of a confrontation with Russia. According to the agreed text, the allies confirm that they want to extend an invitation to join Kyiv “if the allies agree and the conditions are met”. The NATO countries had already agreed on this formula at their summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius a year ago.
“Bridge to membership”
The planned summit resolutions in favour of Kiev are “a bridge to Ukraine’s membership”, the new text continues. This formulation was proposed by the USA. At the beginning of the debate in the spring, Germany was still once morest changing Lithuania’s commitment, but then agreed.
