Ukraine’s membership in NATO is not part of peace agreement, it is longer-term issue – Rutte
Ukraine's accession to NATO is not considered part of a peace agreement with Russia.
This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
"There are two aspects. First, NATO has extended the prospect of Ukraine's membership in the Alliance. This was clearly reiterated in Washington during the last summit, where we clearly stated as an Alliance that Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible. I have also always emphasized that we have never said that Ukraine's membership in NATO should be part of a peace deal. What the Americans have said is that, from their point of view, as a subject of a peace agreement, Ukraine should not receive NATO membership. But that is certainly different from what might happen in the future," Rutte said.
At the same time, practical cooperation between Ukraine and NATO remains very intense. The allies made new commitments to support Ukraine during the Washington Summit, and a special NATO command in Wiesbaden was established to coordinate all military aid to Ukraine, most of which goes to Ukraine through logistics centers in Poland.
"All this is happening, except for membership, which is a longer-term issue. At least it is not part of the peace agreement now, but we will see what happens in the future. Again, very clear commitments were made in Washington (during the summit - ed.). But when it comes to general cooperation, it is very intense. For many weeks, we talked once or twice a week with President Zelenskyy. So it is indeed very intense cooperation (between NATO and Ukraine)," the Alliance chief summarized.
