NATO chief denies promising Ukraine membership in alliance

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has dismissed claims that the alliance promised Ukraine membership following peace talks with Russia.

Rutte's comments came during a press conference following a meeting of NATO's defence ministers in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"At the summit in Washington, NATO promised Ukraine membership, but it was never agreed that when negotiations began, they would end with Ukraine joining NATO. There was no promise of membership as part of a peace deal," Rutte clarified. His statement directly addressed concerns over the potential for Ukraine's membership to be tied to peace negotiations with Russia.

Rutte's comments followed an earlier statement in which he remarked that a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump "gives the impression" that negotiations regarding the Ukrainian conflict might be starting.

The issue of Ukraine's NATO membership has remained a contentious topic throughout the ongoing conflict with Russia. Russian officials, including member of State Duma Anatoly Wasserman, have previously suggested that the question of Ukraine's potential accession to NATO remains open, fueling speculation about future developments.

Despite these discussions, NATO's stance remains clear, with Rutte emphasizing that no promises regarding membership have been made as part of peace talks, and reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing defence efforts.

By Vafa Guliyeva