Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has formally requested NATO to extend an invitation for Ukraine to join the military alliance during a meeting in Brussels next week.

This appeal comes as part of a renewed effort by Ukraine to secure NATO membership amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a letter seen by Reuters, Sybiha emphasized that such an invitation would demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that one of his primary objectives—preventing Ukraine from joining NATO—cannot be achieved.

He argued that the invitation should not be perceived as an escalation, but rather as a necessary step given the current situation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking to Sky News, suggested that NATO membership could be a viable solution to de-escalate the ongoing war, which has persisted for 33 months.

He acknowledged that while Ukraine cannot join NATO until the war concludes, an invitation now would send a strong political message.

Zelenskiy insisted that any invitation must encompass Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, although he noted that NATO membership could initially apply only to the areas under Kyiv’s control.

However, NATO diplomats have indicated that there is currently no consensus among member states regarding an invitation for Ukraine, as any decision would require the agreement of all 32 NATO countries.

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While NATO has affirmed Ukraine’s future membership and stated that it is on an “irreversible” path to joining, no formal invitation or timeline has been established.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna acknowledged that consensus for an invitation is not yet present but stressed that the letter serves as a political signal that the possibility remains open.

Sybiha’s letter also highlighted the need for a strong response to Russia’s ongoing aggression, including its recent military actions involving North Korean troops.

As the situation evolves, NATO countries are awaiting the new Ukraine policy from the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump.