The NATO summit in Ankara became a venue for important discussions regarding the future of the alliance and Ukraine's role in transatlantic security. However, despite active discussions on the Ukrainian issue, the question of the country's direct accession to the organization was not raised during the meeting. This was stated by Ian Beaton, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, in an interview with RBK-Ukraine.
Ukrainian Experience as a Strategic Asset
Although the topic of Ukraine's NATO membership was not included in the agenda, the country itself became the center of attention for allies. According to Beaton, a significant portion of the discussions was dedicated specifically to Ukraine, primarily due to its unique combat experience. In a situation where the only large-scale war in Europe is taking place, the knowledge gained by the Ukrainian army is of critical importance to the entire Alliance.
The State Department representative emphasized that modern challenges require a rethinking of old defense models. The allies' current focus includes:
- Unmanned systems and drones;
- New methods of conducting military operations;
- Development of armored vehicles;
- Expansion of defense production.
"Ukrainians have been talking about this for a long time, and it seems that this was a very important topic here in Ankara," noted Beaton, confirming that Kyiv serves as a key source of information for NATO modernization.
A Turning Point in Relations with the US
Special attention in the interview was paid to the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Beaton called this dialogue a turning point in bilateral relations, noting that it became an important step following incidents in the Oval Office. The meeting demonstrated Washington's readiness for dialogue and the search for new approaches in supporting Ukraine.
According to the State Department spokesperson, the Trump administration advocates for creating a NATO oriented towards the realities of the 21st century, rather than outdated models of the past. This means a focus on current threats and technologies, where Ukrainian experience becomes one of the main benchmarks.
Possible Visit by Trump to Kyiv
The conversation also touched upon the topic of a possible visit by the US President to Kyiv. Beaton did not rule out such a possibility, noting that the fact that Trump did not reject the idea indicates that the question remains open and is under consideration. This could become an important signal for the international community and Ukraine itself.
Thus, the summit in Ankara confirmed: Ukraine is not just a participant in a global conflict, but a strategic partner whose experience is shaping the future of NATO. The question of membership remains off the table for now, but the country's role in transatlantic security is only growing.
