Ukraine was never promised NATO membership as part of any peace agreement with Russia, the US-led military bloc’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said. He added that the bloc should only ensure a new conflict between Moscow and Kiev will not break out in the future, he added.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rutte said Kiev’s potential accession had never been tied to resolution of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“We have to make sure that Vladimir Putin never ever tries again to attack Ukraine, that is crucial ... but it has never been a promise to Ukraine that as part of [a] peace deal they would be part of NATO,” Rutte said.