Baerbock clarified Germany's stance on Ukraine's NATO membership.

Germany believes that Ukraine should join NATO in the future. However, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin seeks to obstruct such membership.

This was stated by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in response to a question from a correspondent for RBK-Ukraine during a press conference.

The RBK-Ukraine correspondent asked Baerbock to clarify Germany's position regarding Ukraine's NATO membership amid Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statements that an invitation to the Alliance is impossible until the war is over.

The correspondent also mentioned rumors that those close to the chancellor are considering the option of "Finlandization" for Ukraine (its neutral status), and that an invitation to NATO could undermine such plans.

"What is Germany's position? It is clear - Ukraine's future lies with both the EU and NATO. We stated this in the NATO declaration in Washington this summer. Putin wants to make it impossible for Ukraine to make this free decision," emphasized the German Foreign Minister.

She clarified that joining NATO was a free decision made by Finland and Sweden, and they have clearly stated their position.

Invitation for Ukraine to NATO

Recall that in the victory plan developed by Kyiv, there is a provision for inviting Ukraine to NATO before the end of the full-scale war.

It was known as early as spring that the USA and Germany were opposed to such a decision. However, recently Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that there has been a shift in Washington's position.

At the same time, according to the head of the Ukrainian state, Berlin remains skeptical about Ukraine's invitation.