‘Probably after the war’ — Ukraine won’t be invited to join NATO this year — U.S. State Department

“NATO members know and understand that Ukrainians want to become a member of NATO immediately and as soon as possible,” he said.

“To be honest, this is not expected at the NATO summit this year… probably after the war.”

The priority right now is to provide assistance to protect against Russian aggression, he said.

NATO's principled decision regarding Ukraine's accession remains unanimous, Saizek said.

"Ukraine has a place in NATO."

Ukraine's NATO accession procedure had been shortened, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a Brussels press conference on Feb. 15.

“I do not expect the Alliance to issue an invitation at this juncture.” U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith, said on Feb. 13.

“I do anticipate that the Allies will be able to signal that the Alliance continues to move closer to Ukraine.”