Stoltenberg reveals whether NATO can accept Ukraine while its territories are occupied

Jens Stoltenberg, who is soon to step down as NATO Secretary General, has explained that it is for NATO member states to decide whether to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance while part of its territory is occupied.

Stoltenberg stated in an interview for the Interfax-Ukraine agency that NATO allies should be the ones to decide "how membership should be applied or work for Ukraine, but we all are aware of that".

"Of course, if we say that the only way for Ukraine to become a member is for the war to end and Ukraine is in full control over the whole Ukrainian territory, then we give [Russian leader] Putin all the incentives to just find a way to continue the war," Stoltenberg said.

"But my main message is that NATO security guarantees is the way to ensure a lasting and just peace for Ukraine," he added.

Asked whether Ukraine could become a member of NATO with partially occupied territories, Stoltenberg replied that "that's for NATO allies to decide". He added, however, that there must be a guarantee of prevention of future aggression from Russia’s side.

"And of course, it's for NATO allies to decide whether Article 5 guarantees can apply for parts of the Ukrainian territory," Stoltenberg stressed.

The idea of Ukraine being invited to join NATO "in parts" (with partially occupied territories) was discussed in 2023 amid preparations for the Vilnius Summit.

Czech President Petr Pavel said last week that Ukraine should accept that some of its territories could be "temporarily" under Russia’s control after the end of the war.  

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry described this scenario as "temporary decisions which will only postpone the war".