Ukraine will not receive an official invitation to join NATO at the Alliance summit in Vilnius.

According to WP, there is a consensus on this position among the 31 NATO countries, but there is not absolute unity. Eastern European countries are insisting on setting clear obligations in terms of a deadline. On the other hand, the US and several Western European countries are not in a hurry to make this commitment.

Supporters of Ukraine’s accelerated accession into NATO that is contingent upon its victory in the war give Putin the ability to veto Ukraine’s entry into the Alliance. Only Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance can deter Russia from continuing to use force.

However, the US and its allies in Western Europe are wary of the fact that by accepting Ukraine while in a state of war, NATO’s article on mutual defense will have to be applied. This will involve the Alliance in a conflict with a nuclear power. They also believe that quick steps toward Ukraine’s accession may lead to an escalation of Russian aggression.