Colonel Grant outlines Ukraine's potential NATO membership conditions

He shared these insights during an interview with Espreso.

"In reality, many people discuss the idea that Ukraine needs the war to end before it can join NATO. This holds true. Unless Russia attacks NATO member states, Ukraine won't be admitted to the alliance. In the event of such an attack, the situation would change dramatically. If Putin refrains from attacking NATO countries, then regrettably, Ukraine must end this war first before NATO membership discussions can take place," explained Grant.

Grant highlighted that if Ukraine were to join NATO, its legal framework would face significant challenges.

"For Ukraine to become a NATO member, it must undergo substantial reforms. While some reforms are underway, the government and the situation in Ukraine are understood to be complex. Combating corruption is imperative. It's unclear to Western observers whether President Zelenskyy is actively addressing these issues, ignoring them, or perhaps pursuing a different strategy. It's crucial to pay heed to the comments from NATO countries, as NATO is fundamentally a political organization," emphasized Grant.

Ukraine's path to NATO membership

During the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11, decisions were made regarding Ukraine. The Membership Action Plan stage was canceled, and Ukraine will receive an invitation to join the Alliance once it meets the entry requirements and gains approval from all NATO allies.

On July 12, the G7 countries agreed on a joint declaration outlining security guarantees for Ukraine. Other nations interested in joining can also participate in this agreement.

Defense Minister Reznikov expressed the view on July 23 that Ukraine might become a NATO member in the summer of 2024. However, NATO countries have consistently stated that Ukraine's accession to the Alliance won't happen until the war with Russia ends.

Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, is convinced that Ukraine will be ready for EU membership in 2 years, even earlier for NATO.