Ukraine could start NATO joining process before end of war - Duda
Andrzej Duda (Getty Images)
Ukraine will not be able to join NATO during the war, but it should receive an invitation to the Alliance and initiate the accession process, according to the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
"I believe that Ukraine should receive an invitation to NATO, which will initiate the process of discussing this issue in the national parliaments of Alliance member countries. This process could take time and is crucial for Ukraine's defenders' morale," he said during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos.
According to him, accession is impossible during the war, but an invitation will kickstart the process of discussing the matter in the parliaments of NATO member countries.
Poland, along with other Western countries, has called for continued support for Ukraine. The Polish President said that this is a key security issue in Europe.
"If Russia wins in this war, it will continue its aggressive policy, and if it continues its aggressive policy, it is obvious that it will attack again, leading to another war as a result of Russian aggression," Duda said.
Duda also assured Zelenskyy ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Kyiv that Ukraine can be confident in Poland's support.
NATO membership for Ukraine
One of the direct consequences of the Russian invasion has been a record increase in Euro-Atlantic sentiments among Ukrainians, with record highs in the country's history.
According to KMIS survey data, 54% of Ukrainians believe that NATO membership is currently a higher priority, while 24% prefer EU membership. The two main motivations for Ukraine's EU accession are ensuring long-term security (59%) and economic prospects (57%).
