The US has ruled out the possibility of a quick NATO invitation for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan requires.

Washington maintains a firm position that Ukraine is heading “on an irreversible path” to membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, but the possibility of Ukraine’s quick invitation to join NATO is not yet officially being considered, US Permanent Representative to NATO Julianna Smith stressed.

In turn, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Ukraine will become NATO’s 33rd or 34th member. However, Rutte did not say when exactly the accession will take place. He added that the Alliance “takes note” of the Victory Plan for Ukraine, which includes many political and military aspects that require detailed discussions with the Ukrainian side to determine what steps can be implemented.

Earlier, NATO officials stated that Ukraine’s borders must be demarcated before it can join NATO. Then, it will be clear under what conditions Article 5 of the NATO Charter on collective defense will be triggered.

In response, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s position will be much weaker if the Russians attend the second Peace Summit and Ukraine has not been invited to join the Alliance.