During the prelude to the NATO summit in Vilnius, there was extensive speculation about whether Ukraine would be given a clear path to membership in the alliance, with a specific timeline. Much to the disappointment of Ukraine’s government and its ardent supporters in the West, NATO leaders opted for a more limited commitment.
In the final communique, summit participants stated that they would “continue to support and review Ukraine’s progress on interoperability as well as additional democratic and security sector reforms that are required.” They also affirmed that the alliance “will support Ukraine in making these reforms on its path towards future membership.” The money quote, though, was “We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met.” The country’s ongoing war with Russia, the active territorial disputes involving Crimea and the Donbas, and the increasingly obvious backsliding on democratic practices would continue to be serious obstacles.