Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to NATO. But only after the end of the war with Russia

WASHINGTON — Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to NATO membership, the military alliance said Wednesday in a final agreement at its summit, giving assurances that Ukraine would be allowed to join the Western coalition, but only once the war with Russia is over.

In a further boost for Ukraine, the United States, the Netherlands and Denmark announced that the first NATO-provided F-16 fighter jets were on their way to Ukraine and would begin flying this summer after months of preparations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted his appreciation for the effort to bolster its air force, shortly after Ukraine suffered one of the deadliest attacks of the war.

“Ukraine’s future lies in NATO,” said the statement by the 36 NATO members, whose heads of state and government are meeting in Washington this week. “We will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.”

The alliance welcomed Ukraine’s democratic, economic and security reforms necessary for accession and said an invitation would be issued “if the allies agree and the conditions are met”.

Previously, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that Ukraine would not join the alliance immediately. However, he stressed that this must happen after the end of the war to ensure that Russia never attacks Ukraine again.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has long strongly opposed the neighboring country’s attempt to join the Western alliance, describing it as an interference in Russia’s security and interests.

“I think it is very important to send the message to the Kremlin from here that Ukraine’s path and bridge towards NATO membership are now irreversible,” Finnish President Alexander Stubb told reporters.

President Joe Biden, who later appeared on stage with Stoltenberg, reiterated US support for Ukraine but also stressed the importance of NATO more generally. He reiterated that since he took office, the number of allies spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defence has increased from nine to 23 and that the number of battle groups on NATO’s eastern flank has doubled.

“We can and will defend every inch of NATO territory, and we will do it together,” Biden said.