NATO leaders exclude any mention of Ukraine’s potential membership
(MENAFN) NATO leaders will reportedly exclude any mention of Ukraine’s potential membership from the final declaration of their upcoming summit in The Hague, according to a Bloomberg report. Despite Kiev’s long-standing ambition to join the US-led alliance, the draft statement seen by the outlet is said to focus solely on defense spending targets.
The one-page draft may still be revised, but it currently lacks any reference to Ukraine’s future within NATO. The decision to avoid the issue appears aimed at preventing public disagreements, particularly involving US President Donald Trump, during the brief summit, which includes only a dinner with the Dutch king and one formal working session.
Bloomberg also noted that the $45 billion military aid pledge made to Ukraine last year will not be renewed. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had previously encouraged members to commit to ongoing aid, totaling around €40 billion ($45 billion) annually. However, this year’s summit is expected to produce a more limited commitment: members will pledge to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2032, plus an additional 1.5% for civil infrastructure and preparedness. There are discussions about whether aid to Ukraine might count toward these spending targets.
New Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly wants the summit to be seen as a success for President Trump, who has pressed for NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Earlier this month, AFP similarly reported that NATO would sidestep the Ukraine membership issue to reduce friction between the US and EU. President Trump has ruled out Kiev’s accession to NATO as he pursues a potential peace agreement with Russia.
Moscow has consistently warned that NATO expansion eastward poses a direct threat to its security, identifying Ukraine’s possible inclusion as a red line and a key cause of the ongoing conflict.
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