US Will Not Simplify NATO Membership Process for Ukraine, Biden

The United States will not simplify the NATO membership process for Ukraine, stated US President Joe Biden. “Ukraine, like other members, must meet the same criteria to become part of NATO,” said the US leader, emphasizing that there will be no special provisions for Kyiv in the accession process.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed hope for a clear invitation to the alliance at the NATO summit scheduled for July 11-12 in Vilnius. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted that the alliance's leaders do not intend to invite the former Soviet republic to join the military alliance during the upcoming summit but will only discuss Ukraine-NATO further rapprochement.