Ukraine is fighting in NATO interests, so it deserves accelerated accession - Morawiecki

PAP reported the information.

"Even if Ukraine is not a part of NATO today, it is fighting in its interests in the sense that it is defending against the brutal Russian force that would threaten many NATO countries. I believe that Ukraine deserves to be offered a very fast track to NATO," the Polish Prime Minister said.

Furthermore, according to him, this matter holds greater significance than certain internal challenges faced by the Ukrainian state system.

Morawiecki further urged Western European countries, even those geographically distant from Russia, to provide increased support to Ukraine.

Ukraine's accession to NATO

Ukraine's pursuit of NATO membership has emerged as a crucial priority for the country, potentially surpassing the significance of EU membership. However, a significant obstacle persists due to the absence of unanimous support for Ukraine's accession within the Alliance.

Consequently, the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12, 2023, will serve as the place where the answer to the strategic question of immense geopolitical significance will be unveiled - whether Ukraine will be extended an invitation to join NATO or not.

According to Ukraine's Ambassador to NATO, Natalia Halibarenko, Ukraine is actively preparing two cooperation packages, namely political and practical, which will be presented for discussion during the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. Additionally, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba outlined three key points that define Ukraine's vision for a successful outcome at the NATO summit in Vilnius.

During his visit to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized that Ukraine rightfully belongs to the Euro-Atlantic family and that its rightful place is within NATO. This sentiment was echoed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who expressed a similar opinion.

Furthermore, the Latvian Saeima demonstrated its support for Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit by urging countries to make the decision to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance. On the same day, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the Romanian President in Moldova signed a declaration in support of Ukraine's accession to NATO.

In turn, the Czech Senate also supported Ukraine's early accession to NATO. Canada and Poland also agreed to provide Ukraine with financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic assistance, as well as support on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration.

On June 3, Kuleba said that the membership action plan should no longer be a mandatory element on Ukraine's path to NATO.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine awaits signals from NATO regarding its membership aspirations. However, certain member states harbor concerns over Russia and are hesitant to support Ukraine's entry into the Alliance due to these apprehensions.