Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia insist on security guarantees for Ukraine before NATO membership.

In an article by Prime Ministers Mateusz Morawiecki, Petr Fiala, and Eduard Heger, before Ukraine can attain membership in NATO member states must commit to providing security and political assurances to prevent Ukraine from falling into a gray zone. So-called gray zones create opportunities for authoritarian regimes to sow instability and increase tensions.

“There will be no investment and sustainable recovery in Ukraine if it cannot protect itself from future aggression,” the officials said.

The ministers also believe it is time to change the Alliance’s approach to the Russian Federation. The EU leaders emphasized that continued determination to support Ukraine will also help deter aggression in other parts of the world. Peace can come only on Ukraine’s terms. The heads of government said that a frozen conflict will not bring stability or improve security or economic conditions in the long term.