NATO supports Ukraine’s irreversible path, calls China a ‘decisive enabler’ in Russia’s war – POLITICO

Ukraine is demanding greater commitment to its NATO membership.

According to the draft, NATO leaders are expected to say: “We welcome the concrete progress Ukraine has made since the Vilnius Summit on the necessary democratic, economic and security reforms. As Ukraine continues this important work, we will continue to support it on its irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.”

“We reiterate that we will be in a position to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance if the Allies agree and the conditions are met,” the leaders are expected to say.

They will also say that NATO “will never recognize Russia’s illegal annexations, including Crimea.”

NATO will declare that it will “constrain and combat” Russia’s aggressive actions and “counter its ability to carry out destabilizing activities against NATO and its allies.”

NATO is expected to “decide on further measures to counter Russian hybrid threats or actions, individually or jointly”. Reference is made to “sabotage, acts of violence, provocations at the Allies’ borders, exploitation of irregular migration, malicious cyber activities, electronic interference, disinformation campaigns and malicious political influence and economic coercion”.

Regarding China, the draft communiqué emphasizes Beijing’s “unlimited partnership” with Moscow and its “large-scale support for the Russian defense industry,” which is a “crucial enabler.”

“(China) cannot allow the largest war in Europe in recent history without negative consequences for its interests and reputation,” the statement is expected to say.