NATO reaffirms no promises of Ukraine’s membership as peace talks continue

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has clarified that the alliance has not promised Ukraine membership as part of any peace agreement with Russia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Brussels, Rutte emphasized that Ukraine’s accession to NATO remains a long-term issue, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"NATO promised Ukraine an irreversible path to NATO, but we never promised that this would be the result of a peace agreement," Rutte stated. He added, "We believe this is a longer-term issue," in response to questions regarding whether Ukraine’s potential membership would be part of security guarantees following the conclusion of the conflict with Russia.

Rutte’s remarks come after discussions about NATO’s stance on Ukraine’s future within the alliance. The language of an “irreversible path” to NATO was included in the final statement of the 2024 NATO summit, offering Ukraine symbolic assurance but stopping short of offering any specifics regarding its immediate membership. This phrasing was seen as a way to reassure Ukraine, given that the summit’s declaration did not include clear timelines or steps for Ukraine’s admission.

Since US President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025, both he and NATO chief Rutte have stated that the issue of Ukraine's accession to the alliance "is not on the table."

Russia has consistently reiterated its opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, deeming it unacceptable.

By Vafa Guliyeva