NATO summit aims to secure consensus on Ukraine bid following Turkey's agreement with Sweden

NATO leaders discuss Ukraine's membership bid and conditions for joining.

NATO leaders are convening in Vilnius for a summit with the goal of resolving divisions surrounding Ukraine's bid for membership. The summit, taking place in the Lithuanian capital, will primarily focus on addressing the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Leaders are expected to approve NATO's comprehensive plans to defend against any future attacks from Moscow, marking the first such plans since the end of the Cold War.

Differences among diplomats regarding Ukraine's membership aspirations are reportedly narrowing. While there is consensus that Kyiv cannot join NATO during the ongoing war, there is disagreement over the timeline and conditions for its potential membership post-conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been invited to attend the Vilnius gathering, is urging NATO to provide a clear pathway for his country to join the alliance soon after the war ends.

Zelensky expressed optimism about Ukraine's inclusion in NATO, stating that the wording of the summit communique is still being worked on, but it is understood that Ukraine will be part of the alliance. He emphasized Ukraine's efforts to establish a transparent and expeditious algorithm for gaining membership.

Eastern European NATO members have voiced support for Ukraine's bid, asserting that incorporating Ukraine into NATO's collective security framework is crucial in deterring future Russian aggression.

In conclusion, the NATO summit in Vilnius aims to address divisions surrounding Ukraine's membership bid. The focus is on the aftermath of Russia's invasion, with plans to defend against future attacks from Moscow. While there is progress in narrowing differences, the timeline and conditions for Ukraine's membership remain points of contention. President Zelensky is advocating for a clear pathway to membership, expressing confidence in Ukraine's inclusion in NATO. Eastern European NATO members are in favor of Ukraine's bid, emphasizing the importance of deterring Russian aggression.

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