Ukraine Still Needs to Fulfill Several Requirements to Become NATO Member: John Kirby

Ukraine still needs to fulfill several requirements in order to become a NATO member. This was reported by CNN, citing John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council.

“We believe that NATO is Ukraine’s future. That is what the alliance agreed upon in 2008. Now, Ukraine needs certain reforms: good governance, rule of law, political reforms, and we understand that it is difficult to work on some of these reforms when you are at war. Of course, they are currently at war. Therefore, NATO membership in the near future is unlikely, as this would mean NATO is at war with Russia,” said Kirby.

However, Kirby acknowledged the disappointment of President Zelensky, who has expressed severe criticism regarding the discussions on potential pathways for NATO membership during a summit in Lithuania. “Yes, there is disappointment, there is a desire to end this war as soon as possible. We understand all of this,” Kirby stated.