Richard Parks Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović expressed support for Ukraine’s NATO membership while emphasizing the need for careful consideration. He affirmed that Ukraine has the right to determine its own future but refrained from endorsing an immediate invitation.
NATO Membership for Ukraine: A Future Goal
In an interview with Euronews, President Milatović stated that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership will “definitely” be a topic of discussion among alliance members. He highlighted Montenegro’s endorsement of NATO’s efforts to deepen relations with Ukraine, including the launch of a NATO support mechanism in 2023.
“We supported NATO’s decision to enhance cooperation with Ukraine,” Milatović explained. “These are crucial steps toward achieving a just peace, which remains the primary goal.”
Ukraine’s Push for a Formal Invitation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for an immediate invitation to join NATO, tying it to his plans for victory and future peace negotiations with Russia. While NATO allies declared in June that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to membership, they stopped short of offering a formal invitation. Instead, the alliance pledged additional military aid, including F-16 fighter jets and enhanced operational support.
Concerns Over Escalation and Standards
Some NATO members remain hesitant, arguing that Ukraine must first meet military and operational standards required for membership. Others fear that a swift invitation could escalate tensions with Russia and further destabilize the region.
Key Discussions Await at NATO Summit
Milatović expects Ukraine’s membership to be a key topic at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. “This issue will certainly be part of critical discussions among NATO members,” he said.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, NATO faces the challenge of supporting Ukraine’s aspirations while managing geopolitical risks and ensuring long-term stability.