NATO Chief Confirms Ukraine’s ‘Irreversible’ Membership Path

(MENAFN) On the cusp of a pivotal two-day NATO summit, the alliance’s top official reiterated on Monday that Ukraine’s route to joining NATO—deemed “irreversible” at last year’s Washington meeting—remains steadfast.

Speaking at a press briefing in The Hague before the summit’s commencement, Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized, "Last year in Washington, NATO allies agreed that for Ukraine there is an irreversible path of Ukraine to enter NATO. And that is still true today, and it will still be true on Thursday after this summit."

Rutte described the gathering as taking place at a “historic moment,” highlighting the worsening global security landscape. He noted, "As the world grows more dangerous, allied leaders will take bold decisions to strengthen our collective defense, making NATO a stronger, a fairer, and a more lethal alliance."

While acknowledging significant strides by NATO members over the past six months, he underscored that the current threats necessitate much greater action to maintain effective deterrence.

“Allies have agreed an ambitious new set of capability targets, specific principle requirements that ensure that we can implement our investment,” Rutte added, outlining plans to boost NATO’s operational strength.

Addressing tensions involving Iran shortly after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s enduring stance opposing nuclear armament in the region.

"Allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon. Allies have repeatedly urged Iran to meet its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty," he stated firmly.

The summit in The Hague will concentrate on reinforcing collective defense measures, establishing enhanced capability objectives, and securing sustained long-term assistance for Ukraine.

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