NATO Pledges Irreversible Path Towards Membership For Ukraine Despite Biden Opposition And Delayed Military Aid

Western powers have pledged to put Ukraine “on an irreversible path towards NATO membership,” according to Jens Stoltenberg, civilian chief of the alliance. During a visit to President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, he said that this would enable Ukraine to become a member straight away when political conditions allow. However, despite increased rhetorical commitments and surges in military aid, many Western powers remain hesitant about extending an official invitation due to concerns over confrontation with Russia. Ambassador Julianne Smith admitted that the US was not prepared last summer or now for such a move. Stoltenberg emphasised developing Ukraine’s armed forces according to NATO standards as part of this “bridge” towards membership, and urged allies to construct a deliverable bridge by offering Ukraine closer ties with the alliance. However, President Joe Biden is perceived as being opposed to extending an invitation due to concerns over Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. At last year’s summit in Vilnius, NATO agreed only that it would “extend an invitation” when all allies agree and conditions are met – a statement which disappointed Russia hawks across the transatlantic community as this was deemed insufficient pressure on Vladimir Putin over Ukraine’s future. Despite Stoltenberg’s hopes of eventual membership, Zelensky has criticised delays in delivering military equipment from Western countries to fend off Russian attacks, citing the need for “timely support” and warning that announcements are not enough without actual delivery. He also raised concerns over restrictions on how weapons can be used against Russia itself. Stoltenberg acknowledged these shortcomings but highlighted new US aid packages as well as air defence systems from other Western countries being delivered to Ukraine, while admitting the need for faster deliveries and warning that Ukrainians are paying a price when promises go unfulfilled.