Latvia optimistic about Ukraine joining NATO in 2025

Latvia expressed optimism that Ukraine could become a NATO member by 2025 as Daiga Mierina, the Speaker of the Saeima, reaffirmed Riga's support for Kyiv's aspirations to join the European Union.

This was highlighted in a statement on the parliament's website, per Caliber.Az.

"We are very hopeful that at the NATO summit in The Hague next year, we can reach a political decision to invite Ukraine to join NATO. We will pursue this objective in collaboration with our NATO allies," she emphasized.

Mierina also stated that Latvia stands ready to support Ukraine's EU accession efforts, offering assistance and sharing expertise with Ukrainian counterparts.

"Moreover, to implement the victory plan, ensuring a long-term supply of essential weapons is crucial. Ukraine has every right to self-defense, which includes the ability to strike military targets on Russian soil," she noted.

However, Julianne Smith, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, indicated that the alliance is currently not prepared to offer Ukraine membership or an invitation to join.

"At this moment, the alliance has not reached a point where it is ready to extend a membership offer or an invitation to Ukraine," she stated.

Smith also pointed out that the European Union's restrictions on defense procurement, which prioritize acquiring primarily European weapons, might hinder assistance to Ukraine. "I am unsure whether these procurement limitations in the EU will truly benefit our friends in Ukraine or the NATO countries facing an immediate shortage of arms," she added.

Furthermore, the ambassador addressed concerns regarding the potential for the United States to lessen its defence commitments to European NATO allies. "For 75 years, U.S. presidents from all political backgrounds have supported this alliance and taken on leadership roles within it. I am fully confident that the U.S. will continue to fulfil this role going forward, regardless of what happens on November 5," Smith stated.

By Tamilla Hasanova