Main points
- NATO removed language from the declaration about Ukraine's “irreversible path to membership,” focusing instead on practical actions such as increasing defense spending and recognizing Russia as the main threat.
- US President Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Article 5 of the NATO Charter and spoke about Putin's possible aggressive plans, emphasizing the importance of collective defense.
NATO's declaration initially mentioned Ukraine's “irreversible path to membership,” but this wording was later removed. However, what is more important now is the Alliance's concrete actions – increasing defense spending, recognizing Russia as the main threat, and increasing support for Ukraine.
These steps are of real importance for Ukraine's security now and in the future, Oleksandr Musienko, a serviceman of the Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told Channel 24, noting that US President Donald Trump made an extremely important statement at the NATO summit.
What was said important for Ukraine during the NATO summit
The NATO declaration initially stated that Ukraine had an “irreversible path to membership in the Alliance,” but this wording was later removed. Similar wording has been heard more than once before – since 2008, we have periodically heard statements that Ukraine would become a NATO member. However, the issue remains purely political.
Alexander Musienko believes that it is worth focusing not on the wording, but on other, more practical things.
The summit itself was short and focused on one issue. However, even in this context, positive developments can be seen – in particular, the increase in defense spending by NATO countries to 5% of GDP .
Support for Ukraine is also mentioned, although without specifics – so far they are talking about percentages, the amounts will probably come later. However, the fact is that defense spending is not decreasing, and will probably even increase.
Russia has also been officially recognized as the main threat to NATO . This is important because now strategic, conceptual and doctrinal documents of both member countries and the Alliance itself, in particular with military committees, will be formed taking into account the need to contain Russia. And part of this strategy is support for Ukraine.
This is also important to understand. These are concrete steps. How to contain Russia? In particular, through support for Ukraine, the serviceman explained.
Another important aspect is the statement by US President Donald Trump . He acknowledged that Putin may have aggressive plans not only towards Ukraine, but also towards other countries. Trump also stated that he supports Article 5 of the NATO Charter (on collective defense) and will be with European allies “to the end.” This removes some of the concerns about a possible weakening of the Alliance's unity.
Therefore, what is more important for Ukraine now is not declarative formulations, but concrete actions: increasing support, strengthening the Alliance's defense strategy, recognizing threats and real instruments for containing Russia. These steps will have practical significance for months and years to come – much more than another line about the “prospect of membership”, the terms of which remain uncertain anyway.
