The Possibility of Ukraine’s Accession to NATO: Reforms and Challenges

Amanda Sloat, director of European affairs at the National Security Council at the White House, has confirmed that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is impossible without domestic reforms. However, Washington remains confident in Kiev’s ability to implement the necessary changes.

In a press conference, Sloat stated, “Ukraine needs reforms to meet the necessary criteria before joining NATO, and we are working with Ukraine to ensure it can pass this aspect.”

Former NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, also expressed his opinion on the matter. He recently stated that Ukraine could potentially gain membership in the alliance urgently, similar to Sweden and Finland.

In an interview with The British Times, Rasmussen said, “It is clear that Ukraine meets the criteria for NATO membership, and it can take the same shortcut that Sweden and Finland will take next year.”

However, while some hardliners in Eastern Europe believe that Ukraine will inevitably become a NATO member after the conflict ends, others are skeptical and call for a specific plan for Ukraine’s accession. Diplomats from NATO countries argue that joining Kyiv swiftly is not a possibility.