The White House on Ukraine's NATO invitation: the focus should be on ensuring Kyiv's victory in the war.

For the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, Ukraine's invitation to NATO is not a priority. Washington seeks assurance that Ukraine will prevail in its conflict with Russia and aims to assist in that endeavor.

This was stated by John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the U.S. National Security Council, as reported by RBK-Ukraine citing a telethon broadcast.

"We have been very clear. President Biden has indicated that NATO membership will be in Ukraine's future. There is no doubt about that. We will work with Ukraine on its path, but the first priority is assurance that Ukraine can win this war,” Kirby said in an interview during the telethon.

According to him, this is precisely why the Biden administration wishes to increase assistance to Ukraine and ensure that it has everything necessary on the battlefield. Additionally, Kirby noted that Washington and Kyiv are working on long-term bilateral security agreements to enhance Ukraine's defense industry and ensure that Ukraine will receive the necessary weapons even after the war concludes.

"After all, regardless of how this unfolds, Ukraine will still have a long border with Russia, which has the potential for aggression. Kyiv must be confident that it can protect itself and its citizens," he explained.

Furthermore, as the White House representative pointed out, the U.S. is collaborating with Ukraine on implementing reforms "that are necessary for any NATO candidate."

"At this point, I cannot say more. We need to focus on helping Ukraine win on the battlefield," he concluded.

U.S. Assistance to Ukraine

Recall that earlier reports indicated that the Biden administration aims to spend all remaining funds from the financing package for Ukraine by the end of the year. Kirby confirmed this information, stating that the White House "will spend every dollar it has" in support of Ukraine.

Moreover, the White House did not rule out that a new military aid package for Ukraine might be announced at the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting, which is expected in November.

Ukraine Seeks NATO Invitation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly urged allies to extend an invitation to NATO. This issue has been pushed by the Ukrainian side at NATO summits in 2023 and 2024, but so far without success.

This autumn, Kyiv presented partners with a so-called victory plan, outlining steps that allies should take to empower Ukraine to conclude the war. The first item on this plan is an invitation to NATO.