Ukraine's NATO invitation: Navigating diplomatic waters

The spokesperson for the President of Ukraine, Serhii Nikiforov, stated that the information appearing in the media, suggesting seven countries oppose inviting Ukraine to NATO, is not true.

- These rumours are beneficial for those who want to create a false impression that Ukraine’s entry into NATO does not enjoy broad support among members of the Alliance. In reality, the idea of inviting Ukraine is supported by an absolute majority of member countries, and active advocacy efforts are being conducted with the others," said Nikiforov, quoted by Suspilne.

He added that the invitation is the first point of the Ukrainian president's victory plan and a reliable path to a just and lasting peace.

Earlier, the portal Politico, citing anonymous U.S. officials and NATO sources, reported that at least seven member states, including the United States and Germany, are not agreeing to invite Ukraine to join the military-political bloc.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a meeting with journalists that most of the Alliance countries support the first point of the "victory plan," which is to invite Ukraine to NATO before the end of the war.

- We see trust in France. We understand that we will have support from the British and Italians. Regarding Germany's reaction, in our opinion, their support depends on the United States. (...) And this will influence, for example, Hungary and Slovakia, said the Ukrainian president.

Zelensky did admit that Germany is skeptical about Ukraine’s accession to NATO, but - as he emphasized - the position is now "softer."