Why Ukraine hasn't been invited to join NATO yet: NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Connolly explains

Connolly made these comments during an interview with Radio Svoboda.

When asked about Ukraine’s chances of being invited to NATO, Connolly said the war must end first and Ukraine’s sovereignty over all its territories must be restored.

"Well, there's a war going on. I think we have to resolve this, we have to restore Ukraine's sovereignty over its territories, and then make sure that the path to NATO is open," he noted, adding that both NATO and the U.S. government had been clear in welcoming the idea of Ukraine joining the alliance, referring to it as the "inevitable path" to membership.

Connolly also addressed whether Ukraine could join NATO with only the territories currently under government control. He said that the ideal scenario is for all of Ukraine to join NATO after the war ends and its full territorial integrity is restored.

He added that while he believed that was the best outcome, it might not be the only one. Acknowledging the uncertainty about how the war would end, he emphasized the importance of focusing on what they hoped for. This was why NATO and the U.S. had committed significant resources and built partnerships with their Ukrainian counterparts, to help them stand strong and reclaim full sovereignty over all their territory.

On the possibility of inviting Ukraine to NATO before President Joe Biden’s term ends, Connolly said it would require consultations with other NATO members.

Connolly concluded by noting that President Biden had consistently supported Ukraine's aspirations, including its goal of joining NATO, and would likely view it positively. However, he pointed out that Biden would not take concrete steps without consulting other NATO allies, as he remained focused on key priorities.

• On October 19, Ukraine's Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna reiterated that Ukraine will be invited to NATO within its 1991 borders, and this is non-negotiable.