The U.S. ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith, said on February 13 that she does not expect the alliance to issue a membership invitation to Ukraine at its summit in Washington in July. As it fights Russia's invasion, Ukraine has made clear its aim is to become a member of the U.S.-led military alliance. Kyiv and some of its allies inside NATO, particularly in Eastern Europe, have pushed for a membership invitation even as they accept Ukraine could not join NATO while still at war. Smith spoke to journalists ahead of a NATO defense ministers' meeting on February 15.
U.S. Envoy Doesn't Expect Ukraine NATO Invitation At July Summit
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith (file photo)