Zelensky protests NATO’s refusal to offer him a membership schedule: “It’s absurd”

The Ukrainian president had considered boycotting the NATO summit in Vilnius (Lithuania) but in the end he will attend to personally convey his indignation to the allies for what he considers a contempt for Kiev’s aspirations. Volodimir Zelensky has crossed out “absurd” and “unprecedented” that the Atlantic Alliance refuses to offer Ukraine a timetable or a roadmap for membership or even an invitation to join the club.

“It seems that there is no provision either to invite Ukraine to NATO or to make it a member of the Alliance. This means that a window of opportunity is being left for haggle over Ukraine’s NATO membership in negotiations with Russia. And for Russia, this means motivation to continue its terror.” Zelensky has written on his Twitter account.

“Uncertainty is weakness. And I will speak openly about this at the summit,” warned the president of Ukraine.

[La OTAN afronta la cumbre de Vilna dividida sobre la petición de Ucrania de entrar al club]

NATO countries are deeply divided over Zelensky’s call for Ukraine’s accelerated accession. kyiv is supported by Poland and the Baltics, who maintain that entry into the Atlantic Alliance is the only effective (and also the cheapest) way to deter Russia of a new aggression in the future.

At the opposite extreme are the United States and Germany, which allege in the first place that kyiv does not meet the requirements for democratic reforms. A position that Spain also shares. But his main concern is that Ukraine’s accession could lead NATO into open war with the Kremlin.

The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg (whose job is to find a minimum agreement between the two sides in the fray) said on Tuesday that the Vilnius summit will send a “positive and strong message” on Ukraine.

Specifically, NATO leaders will commit to “extend an invitation” to Ukraine to join the club. “when allies agree and conditions are met”according to the draft conclusions that have been advanced by the newspaper Financial Times.

It is this ambiguous wording that has infuriated Zelensky. “we value to our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation. Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it’s about respect. But Ukraine also deserves respect“, says the Ukrainian president.

“It is absurd and unprecedented that no deadline is set for Ukraine’s invitation or accession. While, at the same time, vague wording is added about ‘conditions’ even for inviting Ukraine,” Zelensky protested. .

The Ukrainian president is scheduled to attend the NATO leaders’ dinner on Tuesday night and will participate this Wednesday in the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, a new consultation forum that represents an improvement in the level of political relations between the Two parts. And there he will personally transfer his complaints.