13-7-2023 (VILNIUS) Security commitments from major nations and promises that Ukraine’s future lies with NATO appear to have eased Kyiv’s frustrations over not being admitted to the alliance, which overshadowed one of the most significant NATO summits in years.
U.S. President Joe Biden and other G7 leaders unveiled substantial Ukraine support at the NATO Summit, offering a joint declaration and pledges to boost Kyiv’s military.
Biden acknowledged NATO did not invite Ukraine to join but said, “We’re not waiting on that process to finish” to strengthen Ukraine’s security. He has said Russia’s war must end before considering Ukrainian membership.
“I talked to Mr. Zelensky about guarantees we could make in the meantime…Today, we’re making long-term commitments backed by providing Ukraine security for its current needs and any aggression,” Biden said.
Ukraine’s potential membership has dominated the summit as Biden seeks to keep allies united behind President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky arrived frustrated at the lack of details on Ukrainian membership. However, he later said the summit results were “good.” Among NATO’s moves was agreeing to waive a requirement for Ukrainian entry – a Membership Action Plan – given Kyiv’s close ties with NATO nations. It did not provide a timeline for Ukrainian membership.
Sitting with Biden, Zelensky called the summit a “success” for Ukraine – which Biden acknowledged. Biden promised unrelenting U.S. support, saying the declaration “begins the process of negotiating long-term bilateral security commitments with Ukraine.”
In a speech, Biden outlined his vision for American and allied leadership. He railed against Putin’s “craven lust” for power, arguing the war has unified democracies. He framed NATO as “anchoring global stability.”
Alongside the declaration, the U.S. announced new military aid for Ukraine aimed at bolstering its long-term fighting force, economy and reforms. But negotiations with Kyiv will determine how it’s implemented. Experts say the declaration must provide a firmer sense of Ukrainian NATO membership to maintain the alliance’s credibility.
