No consensus among NATO members on inviting Ukraine – White House

The Biden administration has stated that there is currently no agreement among NATO members to invite Ukraine. The talks are ongoing. Meanwhile, the United States is pushing for other partners to demonstrate the same level of urgency and contribution in supporting Ukraine as they do.

A high-ranking representative of the US President Joe Biden's administration stated this.

On Thursday, October 17, journalists inquired about the United States' perspective on Ukraine's Victory Plan and its specific components. A senior administration official responded that there are ongoing discussions about the different elements of the plan, as outlined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These discussions took place during Zelensky's visit to the US and during a recent phone call with Biden.

He noted that, as of now, certain aspects of the plan in terms of providing additional military capabilities are being implemented. Still, there is no consensus on the invitation of Ukraine to NATO:

"There's a discussion amongst NATO Allies about an invitation.  There is no consensus at this time to offer Ukraine an invitation.  But as you know, at the NATO Summit just, what, a couple of months ago — in July, mid-July — all 32 Allies affirmed that Ukraine is on an irreversible path to membership.  So the question is about the tactics of how to encourage that path and how to gain consensus on the next steps."

A representative of the administration stated, "We want to put Ukraine in a position of strength. We want it to prevail in this war."

"We need to do that with our partners and allies, which is why President Biden had called for a Ramstein Summit or a leaders-level meeting of what is called formally the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.  And we have postponed that, and that will likely take place next month, in November," he said.

A member of the Biden administration brought up efforts regarding minerals but didn't provide any further details.

He emphasized that the US wants Ukraine to win the war with Russia. According to him, "a lot is at stake."

"So, there's a lot at stake.  The urgency of the moment is certainly appreciated, which is why the President is leading this effort to supply Ukraine with the equipment that it needs and to, frankly, take seriously all of the elements that the Ukrainians are proposing and to work with them on a strategy to secure their victory in this war. 

… And so, Putin knows that time is not on his side, that time is, in fact, on Ukraine's side, and that we will stand with Ukraine and give it what it needs to prevail," he said.

The official confirmed that Biden will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Germany on Friday.

For reference:

On Wednesday, October 16, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his Victory Plan, which consists of five points and three secret annexes, in the Verkhovna Rada. The first point of the plan is to invite Ukraine to NATO now.

The President also unveiled the Victory Plan at the European Union summit. In his address, the head of state outlined five key points of the plan.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Ukraine will eventually become the Alliance's 33rd or 34th member.