Bulgarian FM: Ukraine's NATO membership key to collective security

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov has emphasized that true security for NATO member states will only be achieved once Ukraine becomes a full member of the Alliance.

He made the remarks during a transatlantic dinner organized by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s annual session, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Kondov stressed the importance of bolstering NATO’s eastern flank and ensuring the security of the Black Sea region. He reiterated that Ukraine's inclusion in NATO would strengthen collective security across the alliance, saying, “NATO member states will be really safe when Ukraine joins the Alliance.”

Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO has been a contentious issue since the early 2000s, with tensions heightening after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. NATO membership for Ukraine has been viewed by Kyiv as essential to its national security, especially in the face of Russian aggression. While NATO has provided significant support to Ukraine, the country has yet to be granted full membership.

In 2023, NATO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts, but the timeline for membership remains uncertain due to geopolitical complexities, particularly concerns over provoking further conflict with Russia.

As Ukraine continues its war with Russia, discussions around its potential NATO membership have intensified, with calls from several NATO members, like Bulgaria, highlighting the importance of integrating Ukraine for the broader security of Europe and NATO's eastern front.

By Khagan Isayev