Former Ukraine Commander Says NATO Bid Faces Long Road Ahead

Ukraine's former commander-in-chief has said there is little chance of the country joining NATO in the near future, offering a candid assessment of Ukraine's NATO membership goal and its long-standing ambition to become part of the Western military alliance.

Valery Zaluzhnyi, who now serves as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, said the country's armed forces still need significant improvements before they can meet NATO military standards. His remarks come as Ukraine continues its war with Russia while strengthening defence cooperation with Western allies.

Speaking at a meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors, Valery Zaluzhnyi said Ukraine's military has gained valuable battlefield experience but has not yet reached the level of compatibility required for NATO membership. He noted that the country still lacks several important defence capabilities, including advanced missile defence systems and space-based technologies.

• Former Ukraine commander says NATO membership remains a long term goal
• Zaluzhnyi calls for military reforms before Ukraine can join NATO
• Ukraine continues NATO ambitions amid war and defence modernization

He also said Ukraine's military structure and operational practices still differ from NATO standards in several areas. While the war has forced the armed forces to adapt quickly, Zaluzhnyi believes more military reforms are needed before Ukraine can fully integrate with the alliance.

Ukraine has made NATO membership a key part of its long-term security strategy and has steadily expanded its cooperation with the alliance over the past decade. However, joining NATO requires the approval of all member states, and there is currently no agreement on when that could happen.

Russia has repeatedly opposed Ukraine's NATO membership ambitions, claiming that the alliance's expansion threatens its security. Moscow has used this argument to justify its invasion of Ukraine, a position that Kyiv and its Western partners firmly reject.

Security Debate Continues

Zaluzhnyi's comments are significant because of his role in leading Ukraine's armed forces during the early stages of Russia's full-scale invasion. Widely respected both at home and abroad, he played a key role in organising Ukraine's defence before stepping down as commander-in-chief in 2024.

Following his military service, he was appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, where he continues to represent the country's diplomatic interests. His latest remarks are expected to add to the ongoing discussion about Ukraine's security and the pace of military reforms.

Although NATO leaders have repeatedly stated that Ukraine's future lies within the alliance, they have avoided setting a timeline for membership. Instead, they have focused on increasing military aid, training Ukrainian forces and strengthening NATO defence cooperation while the war continues.

For Ukraine, NATO membership remains a long-term objective rather than an immediate possibility. As the conflict with Russia continues, Kyiv is expected to keep pushing for closer ties with the alliance while working to modernise its armed forces and meet the standards required for eventual membership.

Also Read: Elon Musk's Fortune Drops Over $600 Billion Amid Stock Market Slide

Zaluzhnyi's assessment reflects the difficult balance Ukraine faces. While the country continues to receive strong political and military support from Western partners, joining NATO remains a complex process that depends on military readiness, political consensus among alliance members and the broader European security situation.