NATO is looking for ways to express clear position regarding future membership of Ukraine — General Hodges

Former Commanding General of the US Army in Europe, Ben Hodges, stated this on Espreso. 

Hodges expressed optimism about the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. He believes that the Alliance is actively seeking ways to clearly convey the message of Ukraine's future membership in NATO. 

Hodges is already sensing a positive trend and growing confidence among NATO members in supporting Ukraine's accession to the alliance as quickly as possible. “I can already feel this positive dynamics and confidence in the support of Ukraine by NATO members to ensure that accession happens as soon as possible. I think the United States has a great responsibility here. We want everyone in Ukraine and the world to feel safer, and this will happen when Ukraine becomes a NATO member," he said.

Ukraine’s accession to NATO 

A meeting of NATO countries will happen in Vilnius in July. Ukraine hopes to receive clear decisions about joining the Alliance. On May 23, Ukraine's ambassador to NATO, Natalia Galibarenko, mentioned that Ukraine is preparing two cooperation packages (political and practical), which will be presented for discussion during the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. 

On May 30, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba outlined three key points that define Ukraine's vision for a successful outcome at the NATO summit in Vilnius. "Strengthen Ukraine-NATO institutional ties and assistance. Take a step toward UA membership. Provide security guarantees on Ukraine’s path to NATO." 

Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister, Volodymyr Havrylov, expressed his belief that the July NATO summit in Vilnius  will set the algorithm for Ukraine's accession to the Alliance.

On June 15, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for Ukraine's membership in NATO with 425 votes in favor. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on NATO chief Stoltenberg to drop  the Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Ukraine's entry into NATO.

US President Joe Biden expressed support for removing the MAP stage, making the joining process simpler for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's role in Europe's defense and called on allies to invite the country to NATO.

James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the UK, assured support for Ukraine's simplified entry into NATO.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has valid reasons to receive a political invitation to NATO at the Vilnius summit.