**NATO Meeting: What’s Next for Ukraine?**
Ukraine’s future in NATO was not directly discussed during a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. When asked if Ukraine would receive an invitation, Rutte only said that “allies agree” on the country‘s future membership.
Ukraine has been trying to join NATO since 2022. In July, the alliance agreed that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to full membership. However, this does not mean that Ukraine will automatically become a member.
**Invitation Unlikely?**
Some countries, like Germany and Hungary, are against Ukraine’s quick accession to NATO. This lack of consensus makes it unlikely that Ukraine will receive an invitation during the upcoming summit.
**Peace Talks?**
The meeting in Brussels will focus on how to help Ukraine negotiate peace with Russia from a position of strength. The US President-elect has promised to find a quick end to the war and get both sides talking.
**No Substitutes for NATO Membership**
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has rejected any guarantees that would replace full NATO membership. This is because of a painful experience in the past, when Ukraine was promised protection by other countries but did not receive it.
**What’s Next?**
The outcome of the meeting will be crucial for Ukraine’s future. If Ukraine does not receive an invitation to join NATO, it may need to find alternative ways to ensure its security.