NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine's path to joining the Alliance is irreversible, but it will not be part of any potential peace negotiations with Russia.
Source: Rutte mentioned in an interview with the channel "We-Ukraine"
Details: The NATO chief confirmed that the decision made at the Washington summit in 2024, affirming Ukraine's irreversible path to membership, remains in effect.
Direct quote: "Ukraine's path to NATO is indisputable. That was the outcome of the Washington summit, and nothing has changed. When we said that Ukraine would one day be a NATO member, we never promised it would be part of a peace agreement."
Details: According to Rutte, the West's goal is to provide Ukraine with "true peace", not just another frozen conflict similar to the Minsk agreements.
Direct quote: "Of course, what the American president is working on is bringing Ukraine to a strong lasting peace. Not Minsk-3, but a real ceasefire and peace agreement."
Also read: The battle for membership and against Russia: how Ukraine and allies are preparing for the NATO summit in The Hague.
Background:
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he does not see the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO given Russia's position. Trump views Ukraine's absence from NATO as part of the diplomatic resolution to the war.
- Future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine cannot join either the EU or NATO while at war.