NATO Affirms Ukraine's Future Membership Path Amid Continued Support

NATO members have formally declared that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to membership in the Western military alliance, stating that its entry is "not a matter of if, but when," pending the end of the Russian invasion.

"Ukraine’s future is in NATO," the alliance members asserted in their statement. "We will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership."

This declaration comes as Norway pledged to send six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine during the NATO summit in Washington. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced that the jets would be delivered later this year, according to the local newspaper Verdens Gang (VG). This makes Norway the fourth country to promise vital weaponry to Ukraine, bringing the total number of pledged F-16s to 86, though they will be delivered over several years.

In addition to military aid, the White House announced that NATO allies are set to pledge a minimum of $40 billion (£31.2 billion) to Ukraine for the upcoming year during the summit in Washington.

This substantial financial commitment underscores the alliance's continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and its long-term goal of joining NATO.