Ukraine pushes for NATO membership as Blinken promises continued US support

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga, during which they discussed, among other topics, Ukraine's potential accession to NATO. 

The conversation was reported by the US Department of State, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrianian media.

Blinken expressed his condolences for the lives lost during the recent Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure on November 27-28. He assured that the United States would continue to support Ukraine, particularly in reinforcing its defence capabilities ahead of winter.

Regarding NATO, Blinken updated Sibiga on US objectives for long-term support for Ukraine, which will be discussed at upcoming NATO meetings and within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

"The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to a sovereign and democratic Ukraine," Blinken reaffirmed, adding that the US supports a just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.

The two officials also discussed developments on the frontlines, ongoing aid efforts, and upcoming US financial support packages for Ukraine.

Ahead of the call, Minister Sibiga sent a letter to international partners urging them to extend an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, stressing that this decision should be made soon.

In the letter, which was seen by Reuters, Sibiga appealed to NATO’s foreign ministers: “I urge you to endorse the decision to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance as one of the outcomes of the NATO foreign ministers' meeting on December 3-4, 2024.”

Sibiga argued that such an invitation would be an appropriate response to Russia's escalating war, citing the involvement of tens of thousands of North Korean troops and the use of Ukraine as a testing ground for new weaponry.

The next meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council is set for December 3, with NATO foreign ministers gathering in Brussels.

Recall that on October 16, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the "Victory Plan," which includes the immediate invitation of Ukraine to NATO as the first step.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the Victory Plan is time-bound, with the first four points meant to be implemented during the war, and the fifth point addressing post-war security needs. "Russia must permanently lose control over Ukraine and abandon any desire for such control. This is the guarantee of life for Ukraine and the guarantee of peace for Europe," Zelenskyy stated. He also called for unity among Ukrainians and their partners, urging them to work tirelessly for these objectives.

However, Politico reported that seven NATO members oppose Ukraine’s invitation to join, including not only the US but also Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, with three additional "non-obvious" countries also resisting the move.

By Tamilla Hasanova