Ukraine gets NATO boost: Croatia summit promises support
Croatia supports Ukraine’s NATO membership invitation (Photo: Getty Images)
At the second ministerial meeting Ukraine – Southeastern Europe held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a communique was adopted expressing support for Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO, according to the press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga attended the meeting and spoke alongside his Croatian counterpart as co-organizers.
“After more than 1,200 days of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, we, as ministers responsible for the foreign policy of our countries, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and addressing the challenges facing our region,” the communique stated.
The document explicitly expresses support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Additionally, the communique strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing illegal full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.
“We support Ukraine on its irreversible path toward full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership, and would welcome an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO once allies agree and conditions are met. NATO membership remains the most cost-effective security option for Ukraine,” the document states.
It also adds that neither Russia nor any other non-NATO member state has the right to veto the expansion of the North Atlantic Alliance.
“We fully support Ukraine’s right to choose its own security arrangements and determine its future free from external interference,” the communique concludes.
Ukraine’s NATO membership
Ukraine applied for accelerated NATO membership in the fall of 2022. The Alliance stated that the doors are open for Kyiv, but joining during an ongoing war is not possible.
Former US President Donald Trump rejected the possibility of Ukraine becoming a NATO member.
And Pentagon official Pete Hegseth called the country’s membership in the Alliance unrealistic.
