In a joint declaration, NATO leaders asserted their unwavering commitment to the future of Ukraine within the alliance, describing its path as "irreversible." While they did not provide a specific timeline for Ukraine's membership, they emphasized that they would extend an invitation when Allies come to an agreement and conditions are met.

The Washington Summit Declaration, released after a meeting of NATO's North Atlantic Council on Wednesday, applauded the progress Ukraine has made in terms of democratic, economic, and security reforms since the Vilnius Summit. The leaders pledged continued support for Ukraine's journey towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.

To bolster this commitment, the declaration highlighted NATO's ongoing support for Ukraine, which includes the provision of new air defense systems and the establishment of the "NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine" (NSATU). This initiative aims to coordinate the supply of military equipment and training for Ukraine by Allies and partners, ensuring enhanced and coherent support.

The description of Ukraine's path as "irreversible" follows extensive diplomatic negotiations leading up to the summit. Some diplomats had expressed concerns that a mere acknowledgment of irreversibility would not be sufficient without substantive backing. By integrating training and equipment coordination under NATO's umbrella, the alliance seeks to provide sustained support for Ukraine, regardless of potential political changes.

The declaration also reflected profound concerns over the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia, which undermines the rules-based international order. It labeled China as a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine due to its extensive support for Russia's defense industry. NATO called on China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to cease all material and political support to Russia's war efforts.

Furthermore, the declaration recognized the Indo-Pacific as an important region for NATO without suggesting a prominent role for the alliance in this area. It welcomed the contributions of Asia-Pacific partners in Euro-Atlantic security, while strengthening dialogue and cooperation on cross-regional challenges.

In their pledge of long-term support, NATO leaders expressed their intention to provide a minimum baseline funding of €40 billion within the next year, ensuring sustainable levels of security assistance to help Ukraine prevail.

As the war in Ukraine continues with no signs of an immediate resolution, concerns about the future of Western support for Ukraine have grown among European diplomats. However, with the establishment of NSATU and the affirmation of Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO membership, the alliance aims to provide reassurance and stability in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.

The Washington Summit Declaration serves as a testament to NATO's collective determination to support Ukraine and confront challenges posed by China and Russia, while reinforcing the rules-based international order.