The invitation for Ukraine to join NATO remains valid, but at present there are neither the appropriate conditions nor consensus on when it might happen, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs told journalists at a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
In response to a question about why Ukraine was mentioned only briefly in the summit declaration, Rinkēvičs explained that the Allies had deliberately chosen to focus on specific issues. Firstly, the Hague summit was dedicated to strengthening the Alliance and its defense capabilities. Secondly, the declaration essentially confirms that Ukraine remains a significant issue.
The President reminded that the 2008 Bucharest Declaration stated that Ukraine would eventually become a NATO member, although no specific timeline was given. Moreover, every subsequent declaration has reaffirmed this commitment. Rinkēvičs emphasized that the declaration avoids unnecessary wording and that both NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other world leaders have reiterated that the core principles remain in force — the Bucharest Declaration has not been revoked.
Regarding the consensus among NATO member states on support for Ukraine, Rinkēvičs acknowledged that both within the European Union (EU) and NATO, differences have always existed. The Baltic states, Poland, the Nordic countries, and Romania have consistently supported Ukraine in all possible ways, while other countries have taken a more cautious approach. This situation has not changed. He added that
the EU continues to adopt sanctions, and discussions are currently underway regarding the 18th sanctions package against Russia.
“There is a usual process — a proposal is made, someone objects, diplomats and ambassadors work on it, and finally ministers agree on the decision, and the package is adopted. The important thing is that these decisions are legally binding. NATO has always emphasized that support is primarily provided by individual member states,” said Rinkēvičs.
He noted that NATO also has programs agreed upon by its member states, which are being implemented, but the bulk of support for Ukraine is provided on a national level rather than through NATO structures. This has not changed. Each country also decides how to classify its military assistance programs for Ukraine.
The President stressed that Latvia allocates 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to support Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has concrete plans for this year and next to provide assistance. This year, 42 Patria armored personnel carriers will be delivered to Ukraine, and the support program will continue next year. He added that when drafting Latvia’s defense budget, the government will also decide on support beyond 2028, when the current program ends.
As previously reported by LETA, the NATO summit took place in The Hague yesterday and today. It was the first time a NATO summit was held in the Netherlands and was chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
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