Despite Ukraine’s unfulfilled aspirations to join NATO, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism on Wednesday as he welcomed new commitments from Western nations. These pledges include the provision of arms and ammunition to counter Russia’s invasion and long-term security support. However, Zelenskyy also expressed dissatisfaction about the lack of a definitive pathway toward NATO membership as the alliance’s annual summit concluded.
“Ukraine is returning home with a substantial security achievement, a victory for our nation, our people, and our future generations,” Zelenskyy announced, surrounded by leaders from the world’s seven most influential democratic countries, including U.S. President Joe Biden.
The G7 released a joint statement outlining the intention of each member nation to negotiate deals to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities over an extended period. Zelenskyy hailed this initiative as a stepping stone towards eventual NATO membership and a deterrent against Russia.
Biden assured that “Our support will persist far into the future. We’re committed to helping Ukraine develop a robust and efficient defence.”
Private meetings between Biden and Zelenskyy and their advisers took place, during which Biden affirmed that “The United States is doing all in its power to provide you with what you need.” He recognized Zelenskyy’s occasional “frustration” over the speed of military assistance.
Zelenskyy thanked Biden, acknowledging that the aid provided significantly supports Ukraine’s struggle against Russia.
However, Zelenskyy’s sentiments contrasted with his criticisms from the previous day, where he declared it “unprecedented and absurd” to refrain from establishing a timeline for Ukraine’s entry into NATO.
As the NATO summit wrapped up, the alliance inaugurated a new platform called the NATO-Ukraine Council to enhance relations with Ukraine. The council will be a permanent institution for NATO’s 31 members and Ukraine to conduct consultations and arrange emergency meetings.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding Ukraine’s future membership, Zelenskyy appreciated the military equipment promises made by the G7 nations even while expressing his frustration.
In a contentious decision, the West has agreed to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine to counteract a Russian invasion without granting it NATO membership and the corresponding security benefits amid the ongoing war.
“I agree that the communique is unprecedented, but I see that positively,” Amanda Sloat, senior director of European affairs for the U.S. National Security Council, defended the summit’s decisions on Wednesday.
Support symbols for Ukraine are ubiquitous around Vilnius, with the country’s blue-and-yellow flags displayed on buildings and inside windows. Nevertheless, reservations remain within the summit, particularly from Biden, who has explicitly stated his belief that Ukraine is not yet prepared to join NATO due to the country’s unstable democracy and entrenched corruption.
The G7 has also introduced a new framework incorporating long-term commitments to Ukraine’s security. Despite Russia’s criticism of the plan, the British foreign ministry has described it as the first instance of a comprehensive long-term security arrangement with another country.
Ukraine’s future has been heavily influenced by security guarantees in the past, such as the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. However, these promises fell through when Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and initiated a full-scale invasion in 2022.
Despite the ups and downs at the summit in Vilnius, the alliance showed a united front and even agreed on Sweden’s bid for membership, demonstrating unity. Stoltenberg labelled the conference as “historic.” However, Ukraine’s NATO membership continues to hang in the balance, reflecting the challenges of reaching a consensus among current alliance members amidst ongoing conflict.
The Vilnius summit proved to be a stage of both conflict and compromise, with the question of Ukraine’s NATO membership serving as a highly emotional and divisive issue. While concrete steps towards NATO membership remain elusive, Ukraine returns home with fresh commitments from Western nations, including long-term military and security support. Despite the uncertain road ahead, these commitments underscore the West’s determination to stand alongside Ukraine against Russian aggression, marking a significant victory for Ukrainian security.
