NATO Leaders Pledge Support to Ukraine, Despite Uncertainty

On July 11, NATO leaders declared that Ukraine could join the alliance at a time of their choosing and when conditions were met. They removed the requirement of a membership action plan, a key step in Ukraine's path to joining the alliance.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted the decision, saying it was "absurd" that no timeline was set for his country's membership. The Baltic states have pushed for strong support and a clear pathway for Ukraine, while the U.S. and Germany have urged caution.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Ukraine was not ready for membership and needed to meet qualifications such as democratization and governance reforms. Some have also expressed concerns that bringing Ukraine into NATO would serve as more of a provocation to Russia than a deterrence.

In order to fast-track its future membership, NATO leaders decided to launch a series of multiyear programs to bring Ukraine’s Soviet-era military equipment and doctrines up to modern standards.

A NATO-Ukraine Council was launched, where all parties can convene crisis talks if their security is threatened. In addition, the leaders agreed to do away with a membership action plan for Ukraine.

A MAP involves a tailor-made package of advice, assistance and practical support for countries preparing to join NATO. The alliance also saw a burst of goodwill following an agreement by Turkey to advance Sweden's bid to join NATO.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will ask Turkey's parliament to approve Sweden joining NATO, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to take a similar step.

The White House has expressed support for Turkey's desire to buy 40 new F-16s as well as modernization kits from the U.S., and Biden has touted NATO's expansion as an example of how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has backfired on Moscow.

The Biden administration is on a five-day trip to Europe, with the NATO summit as its centerpiece. After the summit ends Wednesday, Biden will travel to Helsinki. On Thursday, he will celebrate Finland's recent entry into NATO and meet with Nordic leaders.