NATO to propose steps for Ukraine's alliance accession at Ramstein: WP
Photo: US President Joe Biden (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to unveil victory plan at Ramstein defense group meeting. The summit, attended by US President Joe Biden, is expected to announce new support measures for Ukraine, according to The Washington Post.
According to a Western diplomat, NATO countries are considering offering Ukraine more specific steps towards future membership in the alliance. While these measures may not meet Kyiv's urgent requests, they will serve as an important signal for Ukraine.
However, Ukrainian officials are expressing concerns that the upcoming US presidential elections could jeopardize ongoing security assistance.
Zelenskyy and his team are actively trying to persuade Biden to support a victory plan that could become a key part of his political legacy. However, the White House is avoiding decisions that could impact the Democrats' election campaign.
Amid ongoing combat and challenges on the front lines, public opinion in Ukraine is gradually shifting. While Kyiv has no intention of conceding territory, an increasing number of Ukrainians are open to temporary compromises if they ensure NATO membership or security guarantees from allies.
Russia has regained the initiative on the front lines, and Ukraine is rushing to replenish its depleted ranks through a mobilization campaign. An unexpected cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk region during the summer boosted morale domestically and sent a message to allies that Ukraine is still capable of achieving victory on the battlefield.
However, this offensive has largely stalled, with Ukraine continuing to lose ground in its eastern regions, including the city of Vuhledar, which was captured just this week.
Ukraine’s NATO membership
At the NATO summit in Washington in early July, Ukraine was hoping to receive an official invitation to join the alliance, but this did not happen. NATO limited itself to stating that Ukraine's membership process is irreversible.
Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister and Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna noted that the United States and Germany opposed granting such an invitation.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy recently stated that Ukraine's primary focus is currently on securing an invitation to NATO.
