Ukraine is demanding a stronger commitment to NATO membership.
According to the draft text, NATO leaders are expected to say: “We welcome the concrete progress Ukraine has made since the Vilnius summit on required democratic, economic and security reforms. As Ukraine continues this vital effort, we will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.”
“We reaffirm that, if our allies agree and the conditions are met, we stand in a position to invite Ukraine to join the alliance,” the leaders are expected to say.
It will also say that NATO will “never recognize Russia’s illegal annexations, including of Crimea.”
NATO said it would “constrain and counter” aggressive Russian actions and “counter Russia’s ability to conduct destabilizing activities against NATO and its allies.”
NATO is expected to “decide on further measures to counter Russian hybrid threats and actions, individually and collectively,” which include “subversive activities, acts of violence, provocations on allied borders, use of illegal migration, malicious cyber activities, electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, malign political influence and economic coercion.”
Regarding China, the draft statement emphasized Beijing and Moscow’s “unlimited partnership” and “extensive support for Russia’s defense industrial base,” calling it a “decisive driving force.”
“[China]”We cannot embark on the largest war in recent European history without adversely affecting our interests and reputation,” the statement is expected to say.
