Russia has no right to veto Ukraine's accession to NATO - Rutte

Rutte: Russia has no right to veto Ukraine's accession to NATO

NATO Secretary General Mark Rütte said that Russia does not and will not have veto power on Ukraine's accession to the Alliance. He was commenting on Politico's report that Moscow and Washington had allegedly discussed the possibility of limiting membership as part of a potential peace deal.

Rütte emphasised: the accession procedure is the sole responsibility of NATO Allies, and no third party can dictate terms or influence decisions.

The Alliance's position remains unchanged

The Secretary General stressed that any arrangements that violate the principles of Ukraine's sovereignty or attempt to limit its strategic choices are unacceptable.

According to Rutte:
- NATO continues to support Ukraine's right to choose its own security path;
- the decision on membership is made unanimously by allied countries;
- Russia cannot be a subject in this process.

Context.

The Politico article caused a wave of reactions after reports of a possible discussion of Russia's «guarantees» of NATO's non-expansion.
Rutte's statement was a clear signal that the Alliance will not consider any restrictions that contradict the Bucharest Summit decision on Ukraine's future membership.