Ukraine not insisting on NATO membership during war, but it remains our strategic goal – Ukraine's foreign minister

Serhiy Sydorenko, Anastasia Protz — Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 12:57

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated that Ukraine is not pushing for NATO membership during the war, taking into account the stance of certain member states.

Source: correspondent from European Pravda, citing the minister's statement

Details: Responding to European Pravda's question regarding membership format and the application of Article 5, the minister noted that discussions on this are not currently taking place. "The appropriate time for this must come," he emphasised.

Andrii Sybiha acknowledged that reaching an agreement on membership format during the war does not seem realistic.

Quote: "We are a country facing Russian aggression, and indeed it is difficult to discuss the possibility of a country joining NATO when military actions are ongoing on its territory. This is the position of some NATO members who believe it could lead to their direct involvement in the war. Ukraine does not seek this." 

Nevertheless, Sybiha underscored that Kyiv's fundamental stance on membership remains unchanged. As stated in a recently released position paper, Ukraine views NATO membership as the only viable security guarantee for itself.

"We are talking about our NATO membership. Our strategic goal is joining NATO," he declared.

Background: Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement affirming that Ukraine rejects substitutes for NATO membership.

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