Kyiv expects another bummer at the Ukraine-NATO summit
NATO has no plans for Ukraine to join the program, which allows for special opportunities for selected non-members of the North Atlantic Alliance.
The head of the Ukrainian mission to NATO, Vadim Prystaiko, spoke about this in an interview with Ukrinform, answering the question whether, as a result of the upcoming Ukraine-NATO summit, one can expect “historic breakthroughs for Ukraine in the process of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the state, in particular, joining the Special Opportunities Program for some partners."
The publication’s interlocutor noted that this program is a format that makes it possible to unite around NATO a club of closest partners who, for various reasons, are not allies, but are ready to closely cooperate during joint operations and exercises.
“That is, purely formally, this program is not a “breakthrough” or even a mechanism for Euro-Atlantic integration. And although Ukraine readily participates in all formats of interaction, we must also appreciate the closeness with the Alliance that the status of a Special Partner, which our state is for the Alliance, gives us. Is this next format interesting for Ukraine? Yes. Is there a significant additional cost to us for this format? We must carefully study our modern needs and the needs of the Alliance. Is NATO ready to invite Ukraine to this program now? No,” Prystaiko said.
At the same time, he added that Ukraine continues to negotiate about joining the program.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.