UK PM reaffirms support for Ukraine's NATO membership despite US statements

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his support for Ukraine’s NATO membership following statements from the US administration rejecting it as part of a "peace settlement" for the war.

Source: European Pravda, citing Starmer’s interview with ITV, a British TV channel

Details: Starmer stated that his position on Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance aligns with the official NATO position.

Quote: "This was discussed at the summit that we had last year in Washington, where it was agreed amongst all NATO members that there should be an irreversible path of Ukraine to NATO membership." 

Details: Asked whether the UK had backed away from this position in light of recent US statements, the prime minister said no.

Quote: "No, obviously nobody was expecting that [Ukraine’s NATO membership] to be immediate. It was a pathway over time."

More details: Starmer emphasised that what matters most, in his opinion, is support for Ukraine and placing Ukraine in the strongest possible position, as well as ensuring – if there is a cessation of hostilities – that any peace, which is desperately needed and wanted, is just, lasting, and capable of enduring.

Background:

• On 12 February, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and said Europe must provide the overwhelming share of future lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. He also stressed that US troops would not participate in any peacekeeping operation.
• In response, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov reiterated that Ukraine’s position on NATO membership remains unchanged.

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