Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović has voiced support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, emphasizing the right of every nation to decide its own future. However, he stopped short of calling for an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance.
NATO Membership for Ukraine on the Table
In an interview with Euronews, President Milatović stated that Ukraine’s NATO membership will “definitely” be discussed among alliance members. He highlighted Montenegro’s support for NATO’s recent initiatives to strengthen ties with Ukraine, including a support mechanism established last year.
“We backed NATO’s decision to elevate its relationship with Ukraine and launch mechanisms to support the country,” Milatović said. “These are significant steps toward achieving a just peace in Ukraine, which remains our ultimate goal.”
Calls for Strategic Patience
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for NATO to extend a formal invitation to Ukraine as part of his vision for victory and future peace negotiations with Russia. While NATO affirmed in June that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to membership, an immediate invitation has not been issued. Instead, NATO provided military support, including F-16 fighter jets and interoperability plans, during its 75th anniversary summit in Washington, D.C.
Some NATO members argue that Ukraine’s military must meet alliance standards before joining, while others fear that accelerating the process could escalate tensions with Russia.
Key Discussions Ahead of NATO Summit
Milatović acknowledged the complexity of the issue, predicting that Ukraine’s NATO bid will be a central topic at the next summit in The Hague. “This will certainly be among the key discussions for current NATO members,” he noted.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the balance between supporting Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and managing geopolitical tensions remains a critical challenge for the alliance.