The 32-members of NATO have declared Ukraine on an “irreversible” path to membership in the alliance, offering a bare but more binding assurance of protection once its war with Russia ends. NATO member countries individually and in a joint statement from their summit in Washington announced steps aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. This includes providing F-16s to Ukrainian military pilots by this summer. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the effort to strengthen the country’s air force following deadly strikes. NATO also committed to long-term security assistance and established a new center to ensure Ukraine receives a reliable flow of arms and training. However, Ukraine still lacks the striking power necessary to defeat Russian forces. The final statement affirmed that Ukraine’s future lies in NATO membership, emphasizing ongoing support for its Euro-Atlantic integration. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted that Ukraine will join the alliance after the war to prevent future Russian aggression. President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Ukraine and NATO, underscoring the importance of collective defense. Additional pledges of support were made, including episodic deployments of long-range missiles to Germany in the future. The joint declaration expressed concern over the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia, calling China a decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The document also urged China to cease support for Russia’s war efforts. NATO is enhancing practical cooperation in various areas, including cyber defense and countering disinformation. Overall, the NATO summit emphasized Ukraine’s path to membership and the importance of collective defense amidst evolving global challenges.
