Official statements from NATO or the Ukrainian government

Ukraine to Be Told It Is Too Corrupt to Join NATO in Major Blow to Zelensky

Jul 3, 2024, 10:08 AM

Ukraine is expected to be informed at the upcoming NATO summit that it is too corrupt to join the alliance, dealing a significant blow to President Volodymyr Zelensky's ambitions for quick post-war membership. A senior official in the US State Department indicated that NATO will request additional steps from Kyiv before membership talks can progress. This decision is seen as a major setback for Ukraine's hope for security and trust in Western support and a boost for Putin. The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions with Russia, with the West having already spent over $300 billion on the conflict.