NATO foreign ministers convened in Brussels on Tuesday, but Ukraine’s hopes for a swift membership invitation were met with skepticism. Despite its declared intent to include Ukraine in the alliance, NATO leaders remain divided, leaving Kyiv without the political boost it seeks amid ongoing military challenges.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had urged NATO counterparts to extend an invitation, arguing that such a move would counter Russia’s justification for its invasion. However, diplomats confirmed that a lack of consensus among NATO’s 32 member states makes an immediate decision unlikely.
A senior NATO diplomat remarked:
“It will take weeks and months to get consensus. I don’t see that happening tomorrow.”
Similarly, a senior U.S. official stated that the meeting’s focus would be on ramping up military and financial support for Ukraine to strengthen its position ahead of potential negotiations next year.
The U.S. has announced a new $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, emphasizing efforts to reinforce Kyiv’s defenses. NATO members have reiterated their commitment to aiding Ukraine during a difficult winter as Russian forces make gains in the east and launch strikes on critical infrastructure.
Ukraine views NATO membership as essential for its long-term security under the alliance’s Article 5 mutual defense pact. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy suggested that placing Ukrainian-controlled territory under NATO’s protection could help de-escalate the conflict.
However, NATO has yet to issue an invitation or timeline, maintaining that Ukraine’s path to membership remains “irreversible.”
Hungary has openly opposed Ukraine’s NATO bid, while other key members, including the United States and Germany, have expressed concerns about the timing. The transition of U.S. leadership adds further complexity, with the incoming administration of Donald Trump likely to influence future decisions.
Trump has criticized the scale of U.S. aid to Ukraine and promised to end the war quickly, though his exact strategy remains unclear.
As NATO grapples with internal divisions, Ukraine’s aspirations for immediate membership face delays. For now, the alliance remains focused on providing the military and financial support Kyiv needs to navigate the challenges of the ongoing conflict
