In a highly anticipated summit marking the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), leaders from over 30 nations will gather in Washington, D.C. to discuss the alliance's response to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While Ukraine's accession to NATO remains a contentious subject, NATO leaders are expected to unveil new steps to train and arm Ukraine, demonstrating their continued support for Kyiv.

The urgency of NATO's task was underscored by a recent attack, where Russian missiles targeted a pediatric hospital and other sites in Kyiv. This incident highlights the pressing need for air defense assets and military hardware to assist Ukraine in defending itself against its larger and better-equipped adversary.

Amidst worries about absorbing a country embroiled in a conflict with a nuclear superpower, some NATO members, including Germany, southern and western European countries, have backed President Biden's cautious approach towards Ukraine's membership. Recognizing the need for further progress, Biden emphasized the importance of Ukraine tackling corruption and ensuring political accountability before gaining membership.

The summit discussions aim to bridge the gap between providing support for Ukraine's military effort and advancing towards its accession to the alliance. While concrete measures, such as setting a timeline for entry, are unlikely to be announced, the summit is expected to transfer elements of the effort to arm and train Ukraine from the United States to NATO control.

As the final details of the summit's communiqué were being worked out, officials revealed that the proposal includes an "irreversible" path towards NATO membership for Ukraine. However, extensive language stressing the importance of anti-corruption and governance reforms will be emphasized as prerequisites.

Notably, a recent decision by the Group of Seven to unlock $50 billion in proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, along with the United States' provision of additional air-defense interceptors and permission for Ukraine to use American weapons against specific targets inside Russia, demonstrates the Western commitment to Ukraine's cause.

Despite the less ambitious nature of the summit's offerings for Ukraine compared to initial plans, the establishment of a new NATO structure to coordinate military aid to Ukraine and sustain the current level of approximately $40 billion in military aid for the coming year are expected to be chief deliverables.

While the summit may not result in an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, it will send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the alliance remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. By focusing on practical and operational support, NATO intends to demonstrate its commitment to countering Russia's assault on international norms.

As leaders gather in Washington, the challenge of providing a security guarantee to a country at war with Russia remains a fundamental issue. The complex nature of Ukraine's situation, combined with concerns about corruption and the potential long-lasting impact of Ukraine's membership, has led to divergent views within the alliance.

Nevertheless, top Ukrainian officials publicly express their focus on the summit's concrete systems of air defense, highlighting the critical nature of the discussions. The summit aims to reassure Ukraine and Putin that the alliance stands united in its support for Ukraine's security, while navigating the complex path towards membership.

The discussions at the NATO summit underscore the delicate balance between providing immediate assistance to Ukraine and addressing the strategic challenges posed by its potential membership. As the summit progresses, all eyes will be on the outcomes and decisions that shape the future of Ukraine's relationship with the alliance.