U.S. State Dept voices expectations of NATO summit regarding Ukraine

The NATO summit in Washington should highlight opportunities for Ukraine's full integration into Western structures, create a direct and effective bridge to its membership in the Alliance, and discuss ways for Ukraine to prevail on the battlefield.

That’s according to Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Ambassador James O'Brien, who answered an Ukrinform correspondent’s question on Monday.

"I think what we’ll see at the end of the NATO summit, and then followed by the European Political Community (EPC) meeting the next week in the UK, it’ll be an opportunity to note that Ukraine is integrating fully into the Western structures, that its government and people have said what they want," said O’Brien.

In this context, he also expressed the expectation that a "clear bridge" will be provided for Ukraine regarding NATO membership. According to the official, this will require Ukraine to continue implementing the scheduled reforms in order to ensure effective and irreversible movement toward the Alliance.

In addition, O'Brien said that, at the same time, he expects a positive decision from the European Union, which will open Ukraine's path to EU membership.

He also emphasized that the United States and other members of the Alliance want Ukraine to succeed on the battlefield. Now, he believes, time is on Ukraine's side.

"We see the dynamics of the battlefield shifting meaningful way in recent weeks. And that will be another focus of the NATO summit," added the State Department spokesman.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the anniversary NATO summit will be held in Washington on July 9-11. It is expected that the president of Ukraine will also take part in the event.