President of Finland Alexander Stubb stated at the Helsinki Security Forum that before Ukraine can join NATO, it must become a member of the European Union.
According to Stubb, today Ukraine’s invitation to NATO is unlikely, but in the long term, this issue is becoming more realistic. He expressed the opinion that the optimal sequence of actions for Ukraine is as follows: first joining the EU, and then joining the Alliance.
“I think that a kind of sequence will be: first – membership in the EU, second – membership in NATO”, – noted the President of Finland.
Stubb also emphasized that at the first stage, Ukraine should agree on security arrangements, in particular, sign bilateral agreements on security guarantees with countries such as the USA, Great Britain and France. Only after that, the country will be able to claim membership in the EU, and then – in NATO.
The President of Finland emphasized support for Ukraine’s accession to NATO, but noted that a country at war cannot become a member of the Alliance.
“Don’t tie everything to receiving an invitation now. It will happen. It’s a sequential process. Russia wants to avoid NATO approaching its borders at all costs. They got Finland, they will get Ukraine and all those countries that want to join the Alliance.”, – noted Stubb.
He also noted that Russia will not be able to keep Ukraine from NATO membership by war, because the armed conflict will not last forever and will end sooner or later.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, noted that she is impressed by the speed and quality with which Ukraine is advancing on the path to EU membership. At the same time, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine plans to be ready to join the EU by the end of 2025.
