Ukraine’s accession to NATO is not on U.S. agenda — Kellogg

He said this in an interview with ABC News.

“I believe this is a completely justified concern (on Russia’s part – ed.) Russia will always raise this issue. They’re not just talking about Ukraine. They mention Georgia and Moldova as well. And we say: fine, we can discuss halting NATO expansion to your border. That’s their security interest,” Kellogg said.

He called this Russian interest a “legitimate concern.” Kellogg emphasized that “the U.S. has repeatedly said that the issue of Ukraine joining NATO is not being considered,” adding that at least “four other” NATO member states share this position.

“We’ve said many times that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is not on our agenda. And we’re not the only country saying this. I can name four other NATO countries that would confirm it. And all 32 countries have to agree for membership to happen,” said Donald Trump’s special representative.

• Vladimir Putin is reportedly demanding the formal exclusion of former Soviet states — including Georgia and Moldova — from ever joining NATO in exchange for ending the war in Ukraine.