At the NATO summit in Washington, Western allies will adopt a “powerful” aid package for Ukraine, stated U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a briefing. Additionally, the meeting will serve as a bridge toward Ukraine’s North Atlantic integration.
“A package will be adopted that will strengthen NATO cooperation and support for Ukraine, advance Ukraine’s integration into NATO, and include tangible steps that will enhance NATO’s role in helping Ukraine build forces to deter and defend against future aggression,” he said.
The official explained that these are “real steps that allies can offer Ukraine at this stage to alleviate its disappointment over not receiving an invitation to membership this year.”
At the same time, Blinken reiterated the notion that Ukraine will inevitably become a NATO member, but the summit will merely lay the groundwork for its integration into the alliance.