Bangladesh, April 16 -- In a visit to Ukraine on April 15, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a message that could have wide-ranging implications for the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Europes security landscape. While reaffirming that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to NATO membership, Rutte clarified that such accession is not on the table as part of any potential peace agreement with Russia.

In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster MI Ukraina, Rutte emphasized that although the West has consistently supported Ukraines long-term NATO aspirations, “no one promised Ukraine that NATO membership would be part of the peace agreement.” His words mark a significant admission from the head of ...