Jul 10, 2024 - World

NATO leaders say Ukraine is on "irreversible path" to membership

Rebecca Falconer

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) meets with House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the U.S. Capitol on July 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Zelenskyy will meet with other congressional leaders on Capitol Hill as NATO congregates in Washington. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Photo: Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images

North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders declared Wednesday that "Ukraine's future is in NATO" as they pledged more aid for the country as it fights Russia's invading forces.

The big picture: While NATO leaders did not announce at the summit in D.C. any timeframe for Ukraine to join the military alliance, the organization's 32 members in a statement pledged their "unwavering commitment" to long-term support for the country in the face of Russia's military aggression.

This includes $43.3 billion in aid within the next year "to provide sustainable levels of security assistance for Ukraine to prevail."

What they're saying: "As Ukraine continues this vital work, we will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership," per the NATO statement.

"We reaffirm that we will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met."

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NATO leaders say Ukraine is on "irreversible path" to membership

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