Spain's Prime Minister Comments on Ukraine's NATO Membership

The issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO is not currently under discussion. This was stated by Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in an interview with El Mundo on Sunday, as reported by TASS.

In response to the question of whether Sweden and Finland will join the North Atlantic Alliance, the minister said, 'We need to ask Sweden and Finland.'

Regarding Ukraine, the head of the ministry noted that 'this scenario is not being considered at the moment.'

Albares expressed support for resolving the situation surrounding Ukraine through dialogue but assured that the West is 'ready for any unforeseen circumstances.'

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv wishes to obtain specific conditions for NATO membership by 2022. In February 2019, the Verkhovna Rada approved amendments to the constitution, enshrining Ukraine's desire to join the alliance. The country also received the status of a partner within the Enhanced Opportunities program.

During the NATO summit held on June 14, 2021, the participants noted in their final declaration that Ukraine and Georgia could become members of the alliance in the future. However, the communiqué does not mention the possible timelines for these countries' accession to NATO, nor does it provide prospects for action plans for their membership.