Germany and the United States intend to block a decision on rapid NATO membership for Ukraine at the alliance’s summit in Vilnius, German newspaper Bild reported on July 10, 2023, a day before the summit opened.
A secret document
Bild said it had seen a confidential document setting out Germany’s position, which was confirmed by German government sources, Babel reported. According to Bild, Germany opposes language in the final summit declaration about Ukraine being close to joining NATO, any invitation, or references to “Ukraine’s rightful place in NATO.”
The US position was softer, Bild said. An unnamed American diplomat told the paper: “We wanted to offer Ukraine the model of Finland, that is, entry within a few months, as soon as the hostilities end.”
According to Bild, France, the United Kingdom, Poland and the Baltic states favour inviting Ukraine as soon as possible.
Divisions before the summit
The Financial Times also reported that the US and Germany favoured a summit statement without full support for an invitation, insisting Ukraine must first meet rigorous standards, European Pravda said. NATO ambassadors failed to agree on the wording on July 9. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said the entire eastern flank and several Western European countries supported inviting Ukraine.
Membership Action Plan dropped
On July 10, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said NATO allies had agreed to remove the requirement for Ukraine to complete a Membership Action Plan, shortening its path to membership. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said the summit will also launch a new NATO-Ukraine Council.
Sources
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