"NATO Allies Deny Ukraine Membership Timeline at Summit"

NATO allies have refused to provide Ukraine with a specific timeframe for joining the military alliance, stating that it will happen "when allies agree and conditions are met." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the delay as "absurd," expressing concern that the lack of a timeframe could make Ukraine's membership a bargaining chip in negotiations with Russia. While NATO acknowledged the need to expedite the process, it did not provide a specific timeline. Ukraine accepts that it cannot join NATO while at war with Russia but aims to join as soon as the conflict ends. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the procedural requirement for a formal membership action plan would be dropped, streamlining Ukraine's membership path. However, concerns remain among NATO members about automatic membership for Ukraine potentially escalating and prolonging the conflict with Russia.