Kyiv: Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, delivered a cautionary message on Ukrainian television on February 20, suggesting that Russia could escalate its conflict with the West if Ukraine fails to secure an invitation to join NATO at the forthcoming 2024 summit in Washington.
According to a report by New Voice of Ukraine, Yermak emphasized the broader ramifications of such an escalation, drawing attention to Russia’s influence in regions extending beyond Europe, including the Middle East and Latin America.
“The new escalation will be marked by the absence of an invitation for Ukraine [to join NATO] in Washington,” Yermak stated, emphasizing the critical importance of full NATO membership as the ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine. He urged Western politicians to reconsider their stance on this issue during the upcoming summit.
The scheduled 75th-anniversary NATO Summit in Washington, slated for July 9-11, holds significant importance for Ukraine. In January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined his aspirations for the summit, which include bolstering air defense system deliveries and taking decisive steps toward Ukraine’s integration into the alliance.
