The United States has once again ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. This decision comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently suggested he would step down in exchange for Ukraine’s membership in the Western military alliance.
According to news agency Anadolu, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz rejected Ukraine’s NATO membership bid on Monday. In an interview with Fox News, Waltz stated, “I don’t see any scenario where Ukraine joins NATO, which would then require the immediate deployment of U.S. troops under Article 5 obligations.”
Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, requiring collective defense. The U.S. has only invoked this provision once, following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Zelensky had earlier expressed willingness to resign if it meant Ukraine could join NATO. This statement followed remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had called Zelensky a “dictator.” In response, Zelensky stated, “If you want me to step down, I am ready to do so—even in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership.”
Meanwhile, Waltz also mentioned that a deal between the U.S. and Ukraine regarding joint mineral resource production could be finalized soon, signaling U.S. commitment to protecting its investments in Ukraine.