Britain would be very supportive of plan that could simplify Ukraine’s path to NATO – Cleverly

According to Ukrinform, The Guardian reported this with reference to the statement by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

He noted that the UK would back suggestions Ukraine would not be required to go through the membership action plan (Map) stage of joining the military alliance.

The Map process sees candidate countries receive assessments and advice as they take steps to meet NATO criteria on defence and other matters.

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It is noted that if Ukraine effectively skipped this, it would put them in a category with new member Finland. By contrast, North Macedonia took part in a 20-year Map programme before its 2020 entry.

“We have seen Ukraine evve, and evve incredibly quickly. Jens Sttenberg at the NATO informal foreign ministers (summit) said that actually, many of the requirements of membership action plan are actually being delivered,” Cleverly said.

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He added that Ukraine is reforming its Armed Forces whilst resisting the Russian aggression.

“I think the UK’s position would be very, very supportive if we moved on from the membership action plan recognising that the offer to both Sweden and Finland didn’t require that and Ukrainians have demonstrated their commitment to reform the military for requirement of NATO membership through their actions on the battlefield. And I think all NATO allies recognise that,” the minister said.

As reported by Ukrinform, an upcoming NATO summit will take place in Vilnius on July 11-12, 2023. Ukraine expects its NATO allies to provide security guarantees, as well as a clear perspective of moving towards full membership in the Alliance.