This agreement is seen as a significant step in strengthening Ukraine's relationship with NATO.
Key Points from President Nausėda's Statement:
- Irreversibility Principle: The summit will reflect the principle that Ukraine's integration into NATO is an irreversible process, serving as a bridge from the current situation to future membership.
- Compromise Agreement: The compromise text has been agreed upon by both NATO and Ukraine.
- NATO's Article 5 Consideration: Nausėda highlighted that if Ukraine were to join NATO now, Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which calls for collective defense, would need to be triggered. He emphasized that NATO is currently not prepared to take immediate measures under this article, including sending troops to Ukraine.
Context and Implications:
- Support for Ukraine: This move is part of NATO's ongoing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. It underscores the alliance's commitment to Ukraine's future within NATO without immediate military obligations.
- NATO Summit Discussions: The summit also includes discussions about allowing Ukraine to use American weapons on Russian airfields, as mentioned by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
