NATO allies reaffirm that they will support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including membership in NATO.

This is discussed in the statement of the heads of state and government adopted following the results of the Ukraine-NATO Council in Washington on Thursday.

“Allies fully support Ukraine’s right to choose its own security arrangements and decide its own future, free from outside interference. Ukraine’s future is in NATO. Ukraine has become increasingly interoperable and politically integrated with the Alliance. Allies welcome the concrete progress Ukraine has made since the Vilnius Summit on its required democratic, economic, and security reforms. As Ukraine continues this vital work, Allies will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. Allies reaffirm that they will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met,” the statement reads.

The Heads of State and Government also stated that the decisions of the NATO summit and the Ukraine-NATO Council, combined with the ongoing work of the allies, form a bridge to Ukraine's membership in NATO. “Allies will continue to support Ukraine’s progress on interoperability as well as additional democratic and security sector reforms, which NATO Foreign Ministers will continue to assess through the adapted Annual National Programme,” the document details.

Heads of State and Government welcomed the bilateral long-term security commitments Allies and partners have agreed with Ukraine based on the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine launched in Vilnius. “They are mutually reinforcing and are a testament to the shared and unwavering commitment to a free, independent, democratic, and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders, capable of defending itself and deterring future aggression. These commitments, together with the decisions taken at this Summit, provide for sustained, enduring support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration,” the statement specifies.

The Heads of State and Government stated that a strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders is vital for the stability and security of the Euro-Atlantic area. “Ukraine’s fight for its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity directly contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. Allies and partners continue to step up vital political, military, financial, economic, and humanitarian assistance as Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter,” the document says.

In addition, the Allies declared their intention to continue to strengthen Ukraine's resilience by helping to maintain its energy infrastructure, providing critical energy supplies and ensuring the transit of goods and grain. “Allies remain as resolute as ever in supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail,” the statement reads.

They also welcomed the launch of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), which will coordinate the provision of military training and equipment for Ukraine by Allies and partners and will provide logistical support.

In addition, the leaders also welcomed the intention to provide a minimum baseline funding of EUR 40 billion within the next year, and to provide sustainable levels of security assistance for Ukraine to prevail.

The statement also notes the fact that the Alliance is strengthening NATO's Representation to Ukraine (NRU), and the Secretary General has decided to appoint a senior NATO representative who will head the NRU and act as a coordinator of NATO's interaction with the Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv.

In addition, the document notes that work continues to bring Ukraine's defense procurement in line with Euro-Atlantic best practices through a Strategic Review of Defense Procurement. The parties will also work together to study and apply the lessons of Russia's war against Ukraine, including in the field of sustainability, at the newly established Joint Analytical, Training and Educational Center (JATEC) in Poland. “We are launching new joint activities to support Ukraine’s self-defence through the first NATO-Ukraine Innovation Cooperation Roadmap. NATO will continue to support Ukraine’s self-defence with urgently needed non-lethal equipment and supplies through the CAP, and we welcome partner contributions,” the statement says.

The leaders also believe that Russia “has failed in its efforts to undermine Ukraine’s statehood and break the resolve of the Ukrainian people.” “The men and women of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the people of Ukraine continue to inspire the world with their bravery and determination. Ukraine stands strong as a sovereign, independent, and democratic nation,” they state.

The statement states that Russia bears full responsibility for this war, which is a gross violation of international law, including the UN Charter. “We condemn all those who are facilitating Russia’s war and amplifying Russia’s disinformation campaigns. Russia’s war against Ukraine has shattered peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and has had a profound impact on the safety, security, and welfare of billions of people around the world,” the document says.

In addition, the leaders blamed Russia for the deaths of thousands of civilians and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s horrific attacks on the Ukrainian people, including on hospitals, on 8 July. We welcome the announced commitments to provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems and other military capabilities, as Allies increase their support to meet Ukraine’s needs and help protect its people, cities, and infrastructure from Russia’s appalling attacks. NATO will support and advise on the design and implementation of an integrated air and missile defence architecture for Ukraine, to enable the most efficient use of Ukraine’s air and missile defence capabilities and support its transition to full interoperability with NATO,” the statement says.