Ukraine’s inevitable path to NATO membership

NATO countries have asserted in a statement from the Washington summit that Ukraine’s membership into NATO is ‘inevitable.’ Currently battling Russian invasion forces, Ukraine is given a firmer message but not extended an actual membership invitation due to implications of NATO’s Article 5 which would require direct engagement in the war with Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated, ‘when the time is right, Ukraine can become a member of NATO.’ This declaration marks an escalation in language compared to past summit statements. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen supports the strong signal towards Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. NATO’s statement acknowledges Ukraine’s progress on democratic, economic, and security reforms and reaffirms ongoing support as the country continues its path toward full Euro-Atlantic integration.